Archive for category: Self Help

It’s not easy to love someone who may not always be there to offer the emotional support you crave.

Honestly, it can be tough when your partner struggles to express their emotions, leaving you feeling lonely or unfulfilled.

You want to feel emotionally connected to your partner, but you also don’t want to sacrifice your well-being.

That’s totally understandable!

But here’s the thing: it’s not impossible to love an unemotional man without suppressing your own needs. It might take some extra effort, but it’s definitely possible.

So, how can you create emotional intimacy with an unemotional partner?

Let’s explore some strategies to make this work!

Why Some Men Struggle With Emotional Expression

If you’re in a relationship with an unemotional man, you’ve probably wondered why he struggles to express his feelings. You might even wonder if it’s your fault.

But the truth is that some men just have a harder time expressing emotions than others.

Perhaps he was raised to believe that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. Or he’s had bad experiences in past relationships where emotional expression was used against him.

Better still, he might just be wired differently and might find it difficult to access and articulate his emotions.

Whatever the reason, understand that his struggle with emotional expression does not reflect your worth or desirability as a partner.

It’s also not a personal failing on his part. It’s simply a difference in emotional temperament that can be navigated with care and understanding.

Understand the Challenges of Loving an Unemotional Man

Loving someone who is unemotional can be a challenge. It can be hard to feel connected when your partner doesn’t express emotions in the way you’re used to.

You may feel like you’re constantly trying to read between the lines or second-guessing your partner’s feelings.

The challenges can be numerous but check out some of them below.

• Feeling Lonely and Unfulfilled:

When your partner struggles to express their emotions, it can leave you feeling alone and unsatisfied in the relationship.

It’s tough to feel like you’re the only one invested in creating emotional intimacy.

• Misreading Your Partner’s Intentions:

It can be difficult to interpret your partner’s actions when they don’t express their emotions verbally. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells, unsure how to please or connect with your partner.

• Difficulty Communicating:

Without clear emotional expression, it can be tough to communicate effectively with an unemotional partner.

You may feel like you’re not being heard or understood, which can lead to frustration and resentment.

• Feeling Like You’re Sacrificing Your Needs:

Set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being in a relationship, but it can be tough when your partner struggles to meet your emotional needs. You may feel like you’re constantly sacrificing your own needs for the sake of the relationship.

• Emotional Roller Coaster:

Your partner’s lack of emotional expression may make you feel like you’re constantly on a roller coaster of emotions.

When they do express themselves, it can feel like a sudden rush of intimacy and connection, but it may not be sustainable.

• Struggles With Intimacy:

Emotional intimacy can be challenging when your partner struggles to express their emotions. It can be tough to feel truly connected when one partner is holding back.

Communicate Your Needs Clearly and Respectfully

It can be tough to feel heard and understood when you’re in a relationship with an unemotional man. However, communication is key to creating a fulfilling relationship where both partners’ needs are met.

The first step in communicating your needs is to get clear on what they are.

Take time to reflect on what you need from your partner emotionally and physically. Once you’re clear on your needs, communicate them clearly and respectfully.

When you’re communicating your needs, try to avoid blaming or accusing your partner. Instead, use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs.

For example, instead of saying, “You never show me any affection,” try saying, “I feel unloved when we don’t have physical contact.”

Also, listen to your partner’s response and be open to compromise. Your partner may not be able to meet all of your needs all of the time, but by having an open and honest dialogue, you can work together to find a solution that works for both of you.

Practice Active Listening

To love an unemotional man without suppressing your own needs, give your partner your full attention and show empathy towards them.

It may seem like a simple concept, but active listening can profoundly impact the dynamics of your relationship

When you actively listen to your partner, you show them that you are fully present in the conversation and that you care about what they have to say.

This can help your partner feel more comfortable opening up to you and expressing their emotions, even if they struggle with emotional expression.

Active listening also involves showing empathy towards your partner. This means putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand their perspective, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it.

Doing so demonstrates that you value their feelings and opinions and are willing to work together to find common ground.

Be Patient and Understanding

Loving an unemotional man can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re not making any progress. Nevertheless, recognize that change takes time and that being patient and understanding can go a long way.

Giving your partner the space they need shows them that you respect their emotional process and are willing to support them in their own time

When you’re in a relationship with an unemotional man, remember that their emotional processing may differ from yours. While it’s natural to want to see change right away, understand that change may come slowly.

Being patient and understanding is not always easy, but it is essential if you want to love an unemotional man without suppressing your own needs.

A way to do this is to practice empathy and put yourself in his shoes. Try to understand where he’s coming from and why he may have difficulty expressing his emotions. This can help you approach him with more kindness and understanding.

Another important aspect of being patient and understanding is giving your partner the space they need.

Sometimes, they may need time to process their emotions and come to their own conclusions. It can be tempting to push them to express themselves, but this can actually make them withdraw even more.

Try to Understand and Respect Your Partner’s Limitations in Expressing Emotions

It can be frustrating when you feel like your partner is holding back their emotions or not expressing them in a way you understand.

But keep in mind that everyone has their own way of processing and showing emotions, and some people may simply have limitations in this area.

For example, your partner may have grown up in an environment where expressing emotions was not encouraged, or they may have had negative experiences that made them hesitant to open up

Just try to understand these limitations and respect them. This doesn’t mean that you should suppress your own needs or emotions, but it does mean that you may need to adjust your expectations and approach.

Rather than pushing your partner to express themselves in a certain way, try to create a safe and comfortable space where they feel supported and encouraged to share at their own pace

You can also try to find other ways to connect and show affection that may make your partner more comfortable.

For example, they may not be comfortable with verbal declarations of love but may show their affection through physical touch or acts of service.

Focus on the Positive Aspects of Your Relationship

When you are in a relationship with an unemotional man, it can be easy to focus on the negatives and feel like you are constantly fighting an uphill battle but don’t forget that your relationship has positive aspects as well.

Try to focus on these positive aspects, such as shared interests and values.

It can be helpful to actively seek out these positive aspects and make them a regular part of your routine.

Plan dates or activities that you both enjoy and make sure to express your appreciation for the time you spend together.

Doing so will help to shift your focus away from the negative aspects of your relationship and remind you of why you love your partner in the first place.

Practice Self-Care and Prioritize Your Own Emotional Wellbeing

Your emotional well-being is just as crucial as your partner’s, and taking care of yourself is essential for a healthy relationship.

Practising self-care can help you manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions that may arise when loving an unemotional man.

Prioritizing your own needs is not selfish; rather, it’s a way to ensure that you are able to show up as your best self in the relationship

Self-care looks different for everyone, so finding what works best for you is important. It may involve activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with friends, or pursuing a hobby.

The key is to make time for activities that make you feel happy, fulfilled, and energized.

Moreso, set boundaries and communicate your needs to your partner. Let them know what activities or behaviours make you feel loved and appreciated and what things you need to feel emotionally supported.

Bear in mind that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity in maintaining your own sense of identity and happiness while loving an unemotional man.

Create a Healthy and Fulfilling Partnership With an Unemotional Man

Creating a healthy and fulfilling partnership with an unemotional man can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

To achieve this, you can approach the relationship with an open mind and heart and communicate openly and honestly.

Recognize that every relationship is unique; what works for one couple may not work for another

To create a healthy and fulfilling partnership with an unemotional man, establish mutual trust and respect. This involves being honest and transparent about your feelings and needs and respecting his feelings and needs in return.

It also means setting clear boundaries and expectations and being willing to compromise when necessary.

Another important factor in creating a healthy and fulfilling partnership with an unemotional man is to find common ground, which may involve exploring shared interests, hobbies, and values.

Furthermore, maintain a sense of independence and self-worth in the relationship. This means taking care of yourself and pursuing your own interests and goals, even if your partner is not emotionally expressive.

Finally, always be patient and compassionate in your relationship with an unemotional man. Change takes time, and it may not always happen on your timeline.

Last Words

I hope this piece helped you to see that loving an unemotional man without suppressing your needs can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

It majorly requires a willingness to communicate, empathize, and prioritize your own emotional well-being.

So, don’t give up on your relationship just yet.

With the right tools and mindset, you can learn to navigate your partner’s emotional limitations and build a deep and meaningful connection.

Keep learning, growing, and communicating; your love will continue to thrive.

See you in the next post!

“It is astonishing how little one feels alone when one loves.” ~John Bulwer

If there’s one thing we all want, it’s to feel loved.

We want to feel deeply connected to other people, fully seen and appreciated by them, and secure in those relationships.

We can have a million and one acquaintances online, but if none of our connections feel intimate and meaningful, we will ultimately feel alone.

There’s actually some interesting research that shows we tend to value physical possessions less when we feel loved and accepted by others, because relationships can provide a sense of comfort, insurance, and protection. They truly are the most valuable things in our lives.

I remember when I completed my last promotional tour. It’s something I used to do for work—travel around the country promoting products at sporting events, concerts, and retail locations. I chose this career partly because it seemed adventurous, and partly because it allowed me to distract myself with constant change and motion.

Although there were more than twenty people on the tour, I frequently stayed in separate hotels because my responsibility was to care for the tour dog, and the group often stayed in places that didn’t allow pets.

I’d just decided to leave NYC shortly before this job, after slowly climbing out of years of self-loathing, depression, and isolation. I wanted nothing more than to make real friendships, but I simply didn’t know how.

I saw it happening all around me. I saw women forming bonds that I knew would last for years, while I frequently felt awkward and insecure. I saw romantic relationships blossoming, while I had a superficial fling with someone I hardly knew, who hardly knew me back.

Though I was trying to open up to people and create space for them to open up as well, I still felt alone, love-deprived, and terrified that these feelings would endure. As a consequence, I frequently sabotaged myself and potential connections.

I assumed there was something wrong with me for struggling in relationships, when it was actually my thinking that manifested everything that felt wrong.

I’m sure there are countless other people who’ve been in that place before: feeling isolated, disconnected, and confused about how to change it.

Others still experience something different but related: They have meaningful friendships, but still feel there’s something lacking—like there could be more love coming their way, romantically or otherwise.

 

I’ve learned a lot about giving and receiving love over these last several years, and I’ve dramatically transformed my thinking and sense of connection as a result. If you’ve ever wanted to feel more loved, you may find these tips helpful:

Open Your Heart

1. Initiate meaningful conversations.

The first step to feeling more loved is creating close relationships, and that starts with meaningful, engaged conversations. These don’t necessarily need to be deep and spiritual in nature. They just need to be honest, authentic, and reciprocal.

You can initiate this type of exchange with anyone at almost any time simply by asking about the other person, fully listening to what they have to say, and then finding common ground. Naturally some people will stay shut down, but it’s worth the risk of feeling vulnerable to find the ones who won’t.

2. Give the gift of your presence.

Often when we converse with people, we’re not fully listening; we’re formulating our response in our heads and waiting for our turn to talk. We’re not only doing the other person a disservice when we do this; we’re also shortchanging ourselves.

Think about the last time you really opened up to someone. It likely required you to feel a level of comfort and trust, even if you didn’t yet know that person very well. The act of opening up is itself an offering of love. It’s an invitation to let someone in.

In recognizing this and welcoming it by fully hearing other people, we are, in fact, receiving love.

3. Open up your love valve.

Just like a heart valve prevents blood from flowing backwards, our love valve might block the flow of energy in our interactions. This generally happens when we get too caught up in our head, thinking, analyzing, and wanting more, instead of being present and allowing a natural give and take.

Come into the moment, take the pressure off the situation, and avoid the urge to fill silences with chatter. Instead, picture the interaction as something cyclical in nature, where there’s a balance of sharing and listening, giving and receiving.

When we clear the mental clutter and allow this type of flow, we are in essence choosing to be love.

Open Your Mind

4. Change your beliefs about the world and love.

When we tell ourselves the same things over and over again, we end up creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you tell yourself that people don’t care, you’ll put that energy into the world and then easily find evidence to back it up. If you tell yourself you’ll never experience love, you’ll create mental barriers and then subconsciously repel it.

Tell yourself a different story: There’s a lot of love in the world, there’s plenty to go around, you deserve it, and it’s coming to you every day.

5. Consider that love might look different than you visualized it.

In telling yourself that love is coming to you every day, you’re not merely lying to yourself; you’re taking responsibility for recognizing the love around you.

It might not be from the person you want to be with romantically. It might not meet the standards and criteria you defined in your head. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

When a friend pushes you to reach your potential, it’s an act of love. When a family member takes the time to listen to you, helping you form insights about your life, it’s an act of love.

See and appreciate the love all around you, and it will surely multiply because you’ll come to potential new relationships with a sense of wholeness instead of lack.

6. Give love when you’re tempted to judge.

Ultimately, this is how we all want to be loved: without judgment, pity, or condescension. Commit to giving this kind of love, both in your existing relationships and in new ones you might be tempted to avoid.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow your instincts when you feel like unsafe around someone. It just means you look below the surface, give people a chance, and in doing so create the potential for more meaningful, mutually supportive relationships.

Make the conscious choice to be understanding and compassionate. While getting isn’t the intention of giving, this will likely set the stage for you to receive the same consideration in return.

Open Your Eyes

7. Value the people who are there.

Sometimes we get so caught up looking for romantic love that we forget to appreciate the friends and family who are always there, offering their support. At least I did. Despite my chronic fear of being seen and judged, and my instinct to self-sabotage, I spent a long time believing that I was incomplete.

I know you might be thinking that friendships aren’t the same as romantic affection, and I understand. I felt this way too. But we don’t attract romantic love into our lives by focusing on what’s missing. We attract potential partners by radiating love.

Take an inventory of all the people who care. There are likely far more than you realize.

8. Recognize the love you’re not giving.

It’s far easier to pinpoint what we’re not getting than it is to be honest with ourselves about what we’re not giving. Perhaps you want people to check in with your more frequently. Are you checking in with them? Maybe you want people to ask more about your personal life. Are you asking them about theirs?

Give the type of love you want to receive. Give praise. Notice the little things. Offer help without it being asked of you.

I’m not suggesting you should always be the one giving. If it feels like a constant one-way street, then it might be time to reevaluate that relationship. But in most healthy ones, giving more freely creates an environment of consideration and generosity.

And then of course there’s the other side of this coin: Ask for what you need! There’s one relationship in my life that’s often felt unbalanced. Recently I asked this friend if she’d call me sometimes just to talk, as opposed to calling for advice. I asked, and now she does.

9. Look deeply at your needs and intentions.

Sometimes when we go out looking for love, we’re really trying to avoid giving ourselves what we need. There’s pain in our past we don’t want to acknowledge, or there’s an emptiness inside that we don’t want to fill on our own.

If you’re feeling a hole somewhere inside, take a close look at what might have caused it. Be strong enough to acknowledge what you need to do for you, whether it’s having a long overdue conversation with a family member, working on your self-esteem, or finding a sense of purpose in life.

We all deserve to feel loved by the people in our lives, but first need to be willing and able to love ourselves. That’s what it takes to feel deeply connected: to feel deeply connected to ourselves and confident in what we can give.

“Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror.” ~Byron Katie

As I was listening to other women talking in my support group for battered women, I had a life-changing moment.

I caught a glimpse of myself and where I was at in life. It was a defining moment that turned around how I felt about myself and changed the cycle of my relationship with men.

“I played a role in my abusive marriage; my ex-husband was treating me how I was treating myself.”

His anger and how he showed it belonged to him; we are never responsible for someone else’s behavior and how they treat us, ever. However, we are responsible for how we treat ourselves and how we allow others to treat us. At the time, I didn’t really love myself.

My confidence was non-existent. And I thought I deserved to be treated this way. I had a belief that life was meant to be suffered. I know, nuts!

So, as I was sitting there in the support group, I realized how I had given my power away to someone else and that I had to take responsibility for neglecting myself.

I didn’t put blame on myself to feel guilty. I owned up to my part in this whole situation. I looked in the mirror and got real honest so I could change this crazy pattern.

If I had stayed in the victim role, I would have continually attracted the same kind of guy, who in reality would just be reflecting back what I felt about myself.

Not at all what I wanted anymore, that was clear.

It was time to break the pattern, and break the pattern I did.

I started to really take care of my needs.

I gave myself the love that I was looking for, the attention I was craving, and permission to feel happy and have an awesome life.

It didn’t happen overnight, and it’s been quite the journey, but it amazes me that since I’ve raised the bar, the people that show up in my life are on a much higher level.

It’s a situation no one should be in. The first step is getting out and getting help. And know the cycle can be broken.

Breaking The Pattern of Unhealthy Relationships

1. Practice self-love.

I can’t say this enough. At the time the concept of self-love was foreign to me. Louise Hay’s book You Can Heal Your Life awakened me.

I was looking for love in outside places, wanting others to validate that yes, I could be loved. When I started giving myself what I was craving, I gained more confidence, got clearer on what I wanted, and started treating myself with respect.

Pay attention to your internal dialogue about yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror every day and say “I love you.” Believe it. Really embody how you want to feel right now.

2. Change your mindset.

There’s no going around it, what you think will become your reality.

We all picked up beliefs from well-intentioned people around us while growing up, and they form most of our internal dialogue. Some of these beliefs might serve us, but some might be quite detrimental.

Take an inventory of the top negative beliefs that you have on repeat in your mind. Then re-write these beliefs in a positive way and create a plan to act on them.

This is about more than just saying affirmations; it’s about being consistent, setting your intention, and taking action.

Example: Old belief: I’m not good enough, and I can’t be happy.

New belief: I am good enough, and happiness is my birthright.

After flipping your negative belief, say the new belief with emotion, and write it down and display it in places where you’ll see it regularly.

Next, visualize what being good enough means to you. How does it make you feel? Have a clear image.

Lastly, take action. How does a person who is good enough act? Act as that person now, and aim to do this consistently.

3. Look for the lesson in everything so that you can heal and move on.

We’ve all had experiences where the same thing keeps happening over and over with different people and situations. That’s a message that something needs to be done on our part.

Once the lesson is learned we can break the pattern.

4. Know what you want.

In a nutshell, don’t settle—period! What is it you want? What qualities are you looking for? How do you want to be treated? Want to know what the trick is to actually get it? Be all of those things. Others are mirrors to us.

5. Own it.

The best way to make any change is to take responsibility for where your life is right now, owning it so you can improve it on your terms. When we do this, we go from waiting for change to happen to starting with ourselves, because that’s where any real change can ever take place.

We’re back in the driver’s seat, creating our life, versus reacting to life situations.

6. Receive.

I did attract lots of nice guys too, but I would break up with them or find them too boring. Now I see I wasn’t comfortable with someone treating me kindly and with respect. I wasn’t in the right state of mind to receive this kind of love because I couldn’t give it to myself.

Once you start giving it to yourself, you too will be able to receive it.

The most important relationship we’ll ever have is the one with ourselves. Making this a priority doesn’t take anything away but just adds more happiness and confidence to our lives.

While going through one of life’s rough patches, I noticed I wasn’t laughing much anymore. Okay, it was worse than that: I was actually finding myself annoyed at the sound of laughter wafting down the hallway in my apartment building, and out on the streets. I knew I needed help. So I sought out advice from my community. I was able to find simple ways to put laughter back into your life, and mine.

Here are some of their very wise answers:

Watch funny YouTube videos

By far, the number one answer was to tap into the laugh-inducing parts of YouTube. You’ll see a few examples here in this post, but you might want to start with this 55 seconds of laughter from Kid President:

Tune into sitcoms or sketches (on TV or Radio)

Type “Comedy” into Pandora and you will have tons of amazing comedians doing 2–5 minute sketches. Keeps me in stitches! ~ Sophie Boselly

One thing I have done when feeling this way is watching stupid, silly, frivolous videos on YouTube, or sitcoms online. Seems like a small step, but it lightens up my mood. ~ Ko-Shin Musica

Look up some of Jack Handy’s Deep Thoughts from old SNL. I was having a very frustrating negotiation this week and this really helped me. ~ Ana Micka

Start a gratitude journal

Focusing on things you’re grateful for, rather than on things that have been bothering you (like anger, or grief) can be a subtle way to invite laughter back into your life.

Start with gratitude – what’s in your life that you’re really grateful for? (Sometimes it’s as simple as breath, a comfy bed, clothes to wear, food to eat.) ~ Samantha Nolan-Smith

Create a Pinterest board

I have two go-to, make-me-happy things! 1) YouTube videos 2) I keep a Pinterest board on funny things. Sit down for a good 30 minutes with either of these and I am good to go! ~ Andrea Travillian

Don’t force laughter

Don’t force it. Pushing through the bumps or resisting them doesn’t get us anywhere. Better to accept: I’m in a funk now, that’s OK. Welcome the funk, have a chat with it, let it know it’s welcome to stay and then just get on with your day. Accepting what is is the quickest route to transforming it. ~ Samantha Nolan-Smith

Force yourself to laugh

Yes, I know it’s a direct contradiction to my last point, but listen to this reasoning. It may be as simple as smiling, even if it feels fake for a while.

Force yourself to laugh at something, but do it in a big, forced laugh and make it as weird as possible. You will start laughing for real. I promise. It works every time. ~ Lauren Kesseler Doyle

Spend time with children

Being around kids does it for me. Watching them discover new things is the best. ~ Malaika Paul

As for the laughter thing. My top tip is to find children to play with or watch them play. Nothing like the sweet innocence of childhood to help shed our grumpy Grinch goblins. ~ Henna Datta

 

Practice a silent giggle

Use the silent giggle by holding on to your thought that makes you giggle. Don’t let it go. You will express absolute joy with your eyes and people are drawn to you. The trick to it is to be sincere with your level of joy from the silent giggle. Don’t force it and don’t come off as if you are laughing at anyone. Just be in that place of joy that comes from the giggle. ~ Rhonda Lee

 

Spend time with pets

Playing with my dog and watching her play with other dogs. Volunteer at a dog shelter and socialize with the puppies. You won’t be able to help yourself. ~ Natalia Real

People watch

Go out and people watch. You are bound to see something that will make you laugh and smile. We can be pretty silly beings. ~ Sharon Otness

Go to a cat show. The people watching there is over the top. ~ Rowan TwoSisters

One thing she suggests is to listen to people laugh. Like, watch videos or get recordings of people just laughing – nothing else – and listen. She said it would get you to laugh, too. Well, to be honest…I was not sure whether I believe that…just listening to laughing would not make me laugh, right? Until I watched this video. If you make it through it without cracking a smile you are in serious trouble! ~ Ursula Markgraf

https://youtu.be/aaA67Q8qQCk

Spend some time reading

Also, not sure if poetry is your thing. But here’s one of my poems that may help clear some of those cobwebs that are temporarily dimming you. ~ Henna Datta

Get a fun tattoo

You’ve heard of tattooing a special note on your forehead so that you don’t forget something? Try out Danielle’s tip for remembering to laugh.

I know this is dorky but I got a mustache tattooed on my finger as a way to keep me laughing. When I start to get stressed out with all the grown-up responsibilities like raising kids, keeping up with work, paying bills and maintaining the household, I just look at myself in the mirror and raise my finger to my upper lip. It’s hard not to laugh when you see yourself sporting a sweet ‘stache. ~ Danielle Ford

Go after the funny!

My answer is not to take yourself or anyone else too seriously. Step back and see the ridiculous in it all. Then go after the funny! Read funny blogs – The Oatmeal, Buzzfeed, Reddit, Funny or Die. Lastly, watch stand up comic specials. Eddie Murphy Raw. Richard Pryor. Bill Cosby. Lisa Lampanelli. Sarah Silverman. Seinfeld. Sandler. Roseanne. Watch reruns of the Carol Burnett show. Old SNL skits on YouTube. Anything parody or observational that is relatable and irrelevant. Go after laughter and study it like a science. It’s easy and quick. ~ Jessica Kupferman

Do something really silly – or something you might have done as a kid

Some great suggestions are:

• cartwheels
• skipping
• talk in a funny accent
• sing really loud in the bathroom
• embarrass yourself
• roll down a hill, in the grass, leaves or the snow
• throw popcorn or M&Ms into a friend’s mouth

 I allow my inner 4-year-old to have her tantrum about whatever is sucking at the moment, complete with the racy vocabulary this 42-year-old has acquired. I mean all out tantrum! It’s usually pretty funny. ~ Wendy Reese

 

I suggest doing something that you loved as a kid and haven’t done in a long, long time. Do that thing and immerse yourself in it – no thinking other thoughts. Just observe the sky, your feet, the movement. Sometimes, it’s the body that remembers the pleasure that the mind forgets. ~ Julia Price McPherson

I would say do something silly you only think about but never dare to. Example, make a “I’m a rock star/diva” video of yourself lip-syncing to your favorite song with all of your being into it. You don’t have to show it to anyone, just do it. ~ Dali Rivera

Remove negativity in your environment

I stop watching the news, hide people in my news-feed who are chronically negative, I stop reading magazines that make me feel crappy, I turn off sad music…turning down the volume on all of these helps amplify the great things in my life that bring me laughter. ~ Jodi McMurray

Create something

Craft something beautiful, or something that makes you laugh, or something to give to a friend or loved one. We’re not looking for perfection here, just pleasure. ~ Judy Tweal

Do something creative that you’re really bad at! If you can’t draw, get the pencils out. Can’t sing? Go for it really loudly in the car or the shower, or wherever you like. When we’re kids we do things just because they’re fun and they feed our creative spirit. The magic is in the doing not the results. Laugh heartily at your drawing that makes a man’s head look like a pumpkin. Crack up that you are totally and completely off-key. It’s still fun and it frees you. ~ Suzanne Dosal Gray

Get outside and do something

Exercise…it really helps! Get out an walk in nature, or run or, especially, dance. Zumba has gotten me through some tough days! ~ Lisa Bloom

Work out first thing in the morning. You can’t believe the ideas it generates. Plus it doubles as meditation time (for me). I often listen to inspirational podcasts and audiobooks (Steven Pressfield’s Do the Work). ~ Sophie Boselly

Listen to music or dance

This song always helps me when I’m feeling down. ~ Gillian Byers

Put on some fun, ‘dancey’ music and just let go in the middle of the workday! Sing out loud – you will laugh at yourself. Better yet, dance with your dog. I can’t help but giggle when my chihuahua is my dance partner. ~ Sophie Boselly

Check out 24HourofHappy.com for a full day of happy dance music

Hopefully these suggestions help you as much as they helped me. Here’s to simple laughter in your life and mine.