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. Kelley says…
    09/19/2013

    It is true, being me is so fun and getting to know me bring love into my life. I wish this for all to take this challenge! Have a great sleep everyone!

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

    Beautifully said. Thank you. :)

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

    What an excellent reminder on what's important in life!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. J3SS1C4 says…
    09/19/2013

    Love this... A much needed reminder for me! :)

    I try to laugh whenever I can, and smile as much as possible too, but sometimes I get super serious as well, and it's never as fun!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Sue K says…
    09/19/2013

    thank you for sharing, my eyes welled up with tears reading how your son said he "loved it when you laugh". such a beautiful moment. and i love that quote - it's so true.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Barb Mc says…
    09/19/2013

    Find your joy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Gypsy Chaos says…
    09/20/2013

    Thank you for the reminder! Much needed. Life is too serious these days around my home.

    That balance thingy? It's a Bosu Ball. I am jealous; you make it sound like you just hopped on and stood there! Back in the days of seeing a personal trainer, he would have me stand on one - OMG. My balance is SOOO so very bad. Bosu Ball is not one of my favorite things!

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  8. Lisa says…
    09/20/2013

    You are so brave.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Michelle Kelly says…
    09/20/2013

    Resonates on so many levels. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Lindsey says…
    09/20/2013

    :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Patti L says…
    09/20/2013

    It's weird how timely and relate-able your posts are... I have def struggled lately and I also go to Pinterest to look at the quotes I've pinned just to remind myself of my core and goals. Ugh, I get it, its tough. The day to day and being someone who is in constant quest for meaning and peace. I actually have to "yell" at myself to "get out of my head" sometimes. Meditation has helped me a lot. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

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  12. Carrie H says…
    09/20/2013

    Thank you for this!!! It has been a struggle to get through moments of my day lately.... this is a fabulous reminder!!! Thank you Thank you!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. sylvia howard says…
    09/20/2013

    Wow! I needed this, especially now. You made me cry and I hope to be laughing soon! I used to laugh a lot, I love to laugh, I want to laugh! I love it when I laugh, just love the feeling. I need to lighten up as well...here's to more laughing!

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  14. Kele says…
    09/20/2013

    So beautifully said! A wonderful reminder to take the time to enjoy and smile/laugh at the little things. Reading this really brought a smile to my face, thanks for sharing this.

    Reply 0 Replies
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    09/21/2013

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  16. Melonie says…
    09/22/2013

    Beautiful honest post. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Melanie says…
    09/23/2013

    Truly lovely words Ali! Sometimes I find myself in those moments too where life just stops and I'm struck by how damn awesome and wonderful life can be. Makes me want to keep living louder!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Shereen says…
    09/23/2013

    I feel like I take life way too seriously these days, but don't know what to do about it. So many stresses. So much desire for my children to be happy. I was in the car the other evening driving my husband and 2 of my grown children. There was a moment when they all three said the same thing at the same time, in exactly the same way. In that moment I was so glad to be stopped at a stop sign because I laughed so hard, we all did. Moments like that are way too few, I want more!

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  19. Beatrice says…
    10/01/2013

    Your post today touched me so deeply. I used to laugh a lot but nowadays, unexpected tears are the norm. I am doing my best to move away from that which seems to completely overwhelm and drown me. My twin boys also tell me that they like it when I smile and laugh reminding me how rare I do that now, that they have to comment on it just to get me to do it more. Even for them to do something silly just to get a smile and laugh out of me. Then I feel a sadness and regret that I am not being my best me around the best people in my life.

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