Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 1


It's helpful to define what "healing humor" is, so we know how to effectively apply it: healthy, therapeutic humor enhances relationships, is non-hostile, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant, and often philosophical. In defining this, let us be careful to distinguish it from hurtful, harmful humor that is more aggressive, critical, sarcastic, and cruel, often based on put-downs, and involves laughing at someone else’s expense.




The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) has generated a list of 10 great tips to help you lighten up and rise above the current turmoil and stress you may be experiencing; some seem simple (pun) enough, but bear reminding:



1. Adjust Your Attitude - Stop watching the news and start counting your blessings instead of your money! The blessings will increase, while the money is…well, you know!




2. Make Someone Else Happy - Send unexpected ‘thank you’ or greeting cards to a mix of people. Start with those who aren't expecting it but deserve it. Then, send a couple to people who aren't expecting and don't deserve it. Then, pick a couple names at random out of the phone book that certainly aren't expecting it and have no idea who you are!




Next: Find out how to play with the "signs of the times" and get inspirations for totally Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Finding Humor in Turbulent Times


These days, the economy is on its wildest ride in decades. The line waiting for a government bail-out is almost as long as the check-out line waiting in stores this holiday shopping season. Many folks are simply at wits end in trying to deal with it all! Fear not - there’s humor to be found amidst all of this chaos and confusion. The great thing about humor is it’s FREE and available to everyone. It’s sugar-free, fat-free, salt-free, and tax-free! It’s available 24-7 and you don't need a prescription! There’s no assembly required and you don’t need batteries! It’s environmentally friendly, and best of all, it’s socially contagious!


In the next few posts, I will give you a series of tips to help you relocate that FunnyBone of yours, or inspire new ways to make the world brighter -- stay tuned!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Are We Having FUN, Yet?

Tune in to find out how to apply humor as a bridge-building tool, and a family memory maker...

“Help! My Teenager is an Alien” Radio Show with Sarah Newton on Wednesday, June 18th at 1:30PM EDT, Sarah Newton and Becky Cortino discuss the joys of parenting and having fun with your children and especially teens.

Having fun opens the door and opens channels of communication, fosters learning, and grows deeper relationships. Find out how.


Show Info --> http://snipurl.com/2c1ej


You may -- or may not know Sarah, but --

Sarah Newton is sometimes known as Britain’s well-known teen coach. She is the only teen coach to have hosted her own eight-part TV series, ‘My Teen’s a Nightmare – I’m Moving Out.’ Sarah has been seen on most channels, with one of her programs being watch by 1 in 4 of the UK population.

Her first book, “Help! My Teenager is an Alien - the Everyday Situation Guide for Parents" was launched in March 2007 and rarely drops off the top ten parenting teenager book list. She recently learned that her book is being translated into Polish and Chinese.

I met Sarah earlier this year and have been quite inspired by her story and the invaluable work she does with teens and their families. How she became Britain’s best-known teen coach is an amazing story!

As a police officer in London, Sarah worked with a 15-year-old boy named Luke. In tears he confessed that he was in jail because everyone expected him to be there. He could see no way out and felt society had given up on him. She was the last person to speak with him before he took his life in his cell. Sarah has a strong commitment to helping teens and their families to strengthen their relationships.

Hope you will tune into “Help! My Teen is an Alien” Radio Show with Sarah Newton and I on Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30PM EDT.

Show Info --> http://snipurl.com/2c1ej