I Like It When You Laugh

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I came across this image and quote on Pinterest the other day and it was one of those moments where I read it and everything in my world stopped and it got really quiet.

A flood of times that I remember as fun swept over me. Those times when I was delightfully alive.

Yesterday morning I dropped Simon off in his first period classroom (he asked me to walk with him in there - I'll take it as long as I can get it my friends) and he wanted me to stand on a balance ball-thing they have on the ground (here's a photo of him standing on it a few days ago). I did it and I looked at him and smiled really big and laughed out loud and he looked right back at me and said, "Ah, I like it when you laugh."

I can remember Chris saying that to me in years past. "I like it when you laugh." It was always a wake-up call and a reminder to lighten-up and let go.

I've also found myself saying this to Aaron from time to time when I catch him in a moment of delight. An unrehearsed, uninhibited smile (with dimples no less). To him I say, "Man, I love it when you smile."

Katie read this post earlier today and promptly told me that I laugh around her all the time. I think that's a very good thing.

The weight of life can be heavy at times. I can be way-too-serious and/or stuck in my own ways of how I think things should be done or relentlessly "in my head." I can also be really, really fun. Yes, I remember this too.

These people I care very, very much about are telling me something and I know what it feels like to see it in someone else.

I'm listening.

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74 thoughts

  1. Marie-Pierre says…
    09/19/2013

    you made me cry this morning.... thank you. I needed this. Sometimes, reality is damn hard to swallow. A good thing is that we can change it. thanks again.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. slmnontec says…
    09/19/2013

    I'm in my 6th decade of life. One day my husband said, "You look years younger when you smile." That's a tremendous motive to keep doing it! (I notice the same thing about him.)

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Carrie says…
    09/19/2013

    Interestingly, this concept has been on my mind a lot lately too. As you know, I am by nature a fairly serious being. But I must not forget to have fun. For me, that means more than just participating in fun activities. It involves actually letting my guard down and being uninhibited and enjoying the moment.

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  4. Jill says…
    09/19/2013

    This post gave me goose bumps - thank you so much for sharing! I definatley need to have more spontanious in the moment fun. Love this story.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Anne C. says…
    09/19/2013

    Last night I was reminded of the power of laughter. I have recently experienced a major loss. Last night I was with some good friends, eating good food, drinking good wine and crafting. And laughing. A lot. I'm still smiling from it. Thank you for the reminder.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Stacyk says…
    09/19/2013

    Very very enlightening. Thanks for the nudge to be aware and reminding me that just being is also fun.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. TaraMcK says…
    09/19/2013

    I find sometimes we get into a mode when we parent, especially when we are on the serious side, and those moments where we can just laugh together mean the most of all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Jenifer says…
    09/19/2013

    SO true... This post brought tears to my eyes.
    Thank you for this Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Beth Meier says…
    09/19/2013

    Like Jennifer above, this brought tears to my eyes. When did life get so heavy? Why is it like this? When did I lose the ability to balance my life?
    My mission today is to laugh with my daughter. To smile at my husband and connect with those people I love so much.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. karen c says…
    09/19/2013

    Good reminder! And if we can find something to laugh about even the hardest times can be a little easier.

    And yea, if he wants you to walk him to his classroom, do it as long as you can. Mine started requesting the "bubble of silence" towards the end of middle school. The "bubble of silence" is what my husband and I laughingly called his very polite request not to talk to him in sight of school.

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  11. Jacqui says…
    09/19/2013

    This post caught my attention and held me there. Thanks for the reminder and the honesty of your words.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jessie says…
    09/19/2013

    As I sit in my car with the tears streaming down my face I had
    Your post pulled up on my phone and it made me feel so much better! I so needed that right now after a morning of all wrongs! Thank you!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Abby says…
    09/19/2013

    I've thought often of late, I used to be really, really fun. With financial burdens, I"m filled with worry and not much fun at all right now. Like you, I read a quote on Pinterest that helped a lot: "Remember to breathe, as many of our worries today will probably not be so important a year from now." By Satsuki Shibuya. Right now I'm remembering to breathe...tomorrow I will FIND a reason to smile and laugh. In truth, I have much to be grateful for. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Mye says…
    09/19/2013

    Wonderful sharing, Ali. I try to smile all the time and yes, for the people I love and who loves me - my family :)

    life is complicated enough and at times i take things too seriously and forget those simple aspects of life that makes me happy. and actually, this post - made me smile :) so thanks!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. lee says…
    09/19/2013

    Such a beautiful reflection! My fiance often says, "I love your smile." - it's my reminder to enjoy life, because even with the challenges, life is good. =)

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Leanne in CA says…
    09/19/2013

    Love this post! Thanks for reminding all of us. Have a fabulous and smiley day!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. jenn shurkus says…
    09/19/2013

    thank you ali- for reminding us to live life and laugh a little :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Paolo says…
    09/19/2013

    :) I always think of you with a smile on your face. years and years and years of smiles.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Vicki M says…
      09/19/2013

      Paolo, I just wanted to say that I know you are one of Ali's oldest/best friends and this was one of the best compliments that I think I have ever heard! Now I know why you are so special to her!

    2. Ali says…
      09/19/2013

      Ah, love you - excited to see you soon.

  19. amy s says…
    09/19/2013

    love this ali. thanks for posting.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Steph says…
    09/19/2013

    You are awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Liz says…
    09/19/2013

    Thanks for sharing this Ali... sometimes life gets in the way of laughter... but yes, I'm listening too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Christin Dukes says…
    09/19/2013

    Awesome post Ali! It reminds me to be in the moment more!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. glenys says…
    09/19/2013

    Ali you are so inspirational. So raw and so true. many thanks

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. TracyBzz says…
    09/19/2013

    I love to laugh. I prefer comedies when it comes to tv shows and movies. Often when I'm doing office work or cooking I'll pull up bloopers or mixed funny scenes from my favourite shows to listen to in the background. I love that we can now pause live tv, so when I'm laughing so loud I can't hear what's going on I can pause it and not miss anything. Laughter really is good medicine. Of course tv is not the only thing I laugh at. Nothing like being with family or friends and just laughing until your stomach aches.

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  25. Karen Bagdonas says…
    09/19/2013

    Thanks so much for this post. Just what I needed today.

    Reply 0 Replies

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