ALL HANDS

Marcel's five-toed shoes that he wears to ease the knee pains while running

What do you do when you need that 5-second cheer-me-up "mantra"?  At our home, Marcel and I mimic and/or use phrases from the little children around us.


Awhile back when Koko Maxie was at our place, Marcel went out for a quick jogging around the block.  When Marcel came home, Maxie spotted Marcel in his five-toed socks walking around the house.


Maxie, "Annie Annie, look!!!  Uncle Marcel so funny.  No feet.  All hands!  Heheheheehehe."


Marcel and I looked at each other and started laughing at Maxie's funny comment.  We never thought of the shoes nor the socks that way before.  But it's true.  They do look like fingers being separated out like that.


Fast forward to last week.  Work has been a whirlwind for both me and Marcel.  Plus, I caught cold from either the equipment at the gym or my friend's place (her newborn just started to get sick).  Physically, I felt yucky and tired.  By the time another round of whirlwind came at work, I was just so ready to step away and take a break.


Just at that moment, Marcel pinged me.  And we chatted a little bit about his and my day so far.  I told him that I just needed time away from work for now.  Then Marcel threw out the infamous "mantra."


Marcel, "OK if you need to talk to someone about it more, I'm all ears :-).  Uncle Marcel no mouth, all ears!"


I bursted laughing.  That refreshed me immediately.  Since I was sick and could not go out for a quick refreshing walk outside, that really made my day.  I was back at work soon after that.


So, what is your 5-second cheer-me-up "mantra"?  A Bible verse?  A quick prayer?  A quick walk?  A kid's phrase?  A phrase from a song?  A funny dance?  A funny face?  Whatever that is, may that turn your frown upside down!!!


If you need a quick 1.5-minute encouragement today, listen to this Benefits of Laughter.