As an artist, finding inspiration is an integral part of the creative process. It is the spark that ignites our imaginations and drives us to express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas through various artistic mediums. Inspiration can come from a multitude of sources, ranging from nature’s beauty to the complexities of human emotions, from the works of other artists to the mundane aspects of everyday life. In this quest for inspiration, artists embark on a journey of exploration, seeking to capture moments of brilliance that resonate with both themselves and their audience. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into eight different sources of inspiration that can fuel an artist’s creativity and lead to the creation of extraordinary art.
1. Nature’s Marvels: The Poetry of the Earth
Nature has always been an abundant source of inspiration for artists. The awe-inspiring landscapes, the delicate details of a flower’s petals, the rhythmic dance of waves on the shore – all of these elements hold an immense power to stir an artist’s soul. Through observing and immersing oneself in nature’s marvels, artists can tap into a deep well of creativity and infuse their work with the beauty and harmony found in the natural world.
2. The Human Experience: Emotions Unleashed
Human emotions are a rich tapestry of feelings waiting to be unraveled by artists. Happiness, sorrow, love, anger, and everything in between can serve as a profound source of inspiration. Artists can draw from their own experiences or empathize with the emotions of others to create art that connects with the universal human experience, fostering empathy and understanding among their audience.
3. Art History: The Wisdom of the Masters
The works of past masters can provide a guiding light for contemporary artists. Delving into art history allows artists to learn from the techniques and ideas of the greats, blending tradition with innovation. Studying the brushstrokes of a painting, the composition of a photograph, or the rhythm of a musical piece can spark fresh insights and offer new perspectives for one’s artistic endeavors.
4. Music: A Symphony of Inspiration
The harmonies and melodies of music possess a unique ability to stir emotions and ignite the imagination. Whether it’s the melancholy notes of a violin or the uplifting tempo of a lively song, music can transport artists to a different realm of creativity. Visual artists may find themselves painting in rhythm, writers may craft prose that resonates with certain melodies, and sculptors might find inspiration in the cadence of a particular piece.
5. Dreams and the Subconscious: Unveiling the Unseen
Dreams often act as gateways to the subconscious, revealing hidden desires, fears, and imaginings. Artists can delve into the mysterious realm of dreams to access a wellspring of inspiration. By interpreting dream imagery and exploring the uncharted territories of the mind, artists can create thought-provoking and surreal works that evoke a sense of wonder and introspection.
6. Travel: Broadening Horizons
Traveling to new places opens artists to diverse cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. Experiencing unfamiliar sights, sounds, and traditions can broaden their horizons and challenge their preconceived notions. The collision of cultures can lead to the fusion of artistic styles and the birth of innovative creations that reflect the interconnectedness of the world.
7. Everyday Life: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Sometimes, inspiration can be found in the most ordinary moments of life. Mundane objects, daily routines, and simple interactions can be elevated to art through an artist’s unique lens. By capturing the essence of everyday life, artists remind us to cherish the small wonders that surround us, making the ordinary extraordinary.
8. Personal Growth: The Evolution of the Self
The artist’s own journey of personal growth and self-discovery can be a powerful well of inspiration. As they evolve as individuals, their art evolves with them, mirroring the changes in their perception, beliefs, and emotions. Embracing vulnerability and introspection can lead to the creation of deeply authentic and compelling art.
9. Drawing Guides and Relevant Online Resources
Drawing guides and relevant online resources have become invaluable tools for artists seeking inspiration and honing their skills. These resources provide step-by-step tutorials, tips, and techniques that cater to artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. With the rise of digital art, online platforms offer a vast array of drawing guides for various software and devices, making it accessible to artists worldwide. These guides cover a wide range of subjects, from anatomy and perspective to character design and landscape painting. Moreover, interactive communities on social media and art-sharing platforms allow artists to connect, share their work, and receive feedback, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation. By combining traditional sources of inspiration with the wealth of knowledge available online, artists can enrich their creative journey and continue to evolve in their craft, unlocking new artistic potential along the way. For instance, artists looking to draw inspiration from the captivating world of marine life may find BioWars, a multimedia science fiction franchise, particularly intriguing. As an example, aspiring artists can explore the shark drawing guide by the resident BioWars artist, delving into the intricacies of depicting these majestic creatures with an imaginative and scientifically accurate approach.
Conclusion
In the vast universe of artistic inspiration, artists can find themselves at the crossroads of myriad influences. Nature, emotions, history, music, dreams, travel, everyday life, and personal growth – all offer their unique gifts to those seeking to breathe life into their artistic expressions. Embracing these diverse sources of inspiration can invigorate an artist’s creativity and pave the way for the conception of art that resonates with the hearts and minds of others. As artists continue their lifelong pursuit of inspiration, they enrich not only their own lives but also the lives of countless individuals touched by the profound beauty of their creations.
Is it really possible to get 100% of your work done faster and with better efficiency? Can you really finish your work around noon time when others are grabbing their next cup of coffee but you’re already shutting down your computer and enjoying the rest of your day?
In short, the answer is yes. You can get it all done and work faster if you want to. This is exactly what you are going to discover in this article.
There is no doubt that we all have only 24 hours a day, but if you can work faster and get things done quickly, you will have more time for other stuff in your life.
So here are the 7 techniques how you can deliver your work faster, with better efficiency, and without suffering the quality of your work:
No matter what kind of task you do, you need to allocate a time frame or a deadline for it.
If you don’t allocate a time frame, guess what will happen, you will take as long as possible to get the work done.
For example, if you need to write a report today, don’t leave the task open-ended without a time frame. Include a deadline for when you need to get the report done, say by 2 PM in the afternoon.
In business, there’s the Parkinson’s Law that states, “Work expands to fill the time allotted for it”. In other words, if you don’t allocate a time frame for when to get the work done, you will take as long as you can.
If you have 3 days to complete the project, you will take 3 days to do it. If you have 24 hours to get the work done, then you will deliver the work within 24 hours.
I found that this is true.
For instance, I write my blog post every Tuesday and Thursday. And when I include a deadline for what time I should deliver the post, I will take as long as I need. Sometimes, I started at about 10 AM, and finish my article at around 4 PM. That’s a long time. And usually, my articles are at least 3,000 words.
However, I will get my article done faster whenever I give myself a time frame, say by 2 PM I must deliver the article. And that’s exactly what I got by 2 PM.
When I give myself a time frame, I become more focused and I know exactly what kind of result I must deliver, and by what time.
This is why giving yourself a time frame on every major task is important.
When you don’t allocate a time frame for your task, the Parkinson’s Law will kick in and you will take as long as you need to get the work done.
2. End your day by 3 PM
I learned this technique from an article on Forbes when doing research on this topic. The author of the article, Siimon Reynolds suggested his readers act as if their workday ends by 11 AM and they must get everything done by then.
In my opinion, I believe that 11 AM is way too extreme. In my country, Malaysia, most people start their work from 9 AM to 6 PM. Hence, if you end your workday at 11 AM, you only work for 2 hours. And that’s a little too short.
Hence, I suggest you treat it as if your workday ends by 3 PM or 4 PM.
The key is to alter your mentality.
When you think you can work until 6 PM, usually, you will waste most of your morning on unnecessary or unimportant work.
Like what the article Siimon wrote in the article:
“The average person has done virtually nothing of consequence by 11 AM; they have chatted with their co-workers, checked their emails, grabbed a coffee, and perhaps planned their day. They then complain they don’t have enough time to get their job done.”
Therefore, change your thinking – act like you have to leave your office by 3 PM and you will have to get everything done before that.
When you shifted your mindset, things will work out differently. Suddenly, you don’t have so much time to waste. And you will work faster because you really want to get things done faster and leave earlier, don’t you?
3. Schedule your work before you start your day
Another important technique that helps you become a faster worker is to schedule your work before you start your day.
In other words, plan your day.
I know that things may not go according to your plan, but planning is still necessary.
When you go to the office without having a clear plan of what you need to do, first, you will waste your time thinking and scheduling work. Second, you become reactive and you respond to whatever that comes to you.
Successful people who accomplish extraordinary results in life plan their day, and most even plan their lives.
Like Sir Richard Branson. He said it in his blog post that one of the secrets to success is none other than having a to-do list.
“The act of writing your tasks and thoughts down is useful as it helps to make sense of your ideas and give you focus,” wrote Branson on his blog.
So don’t start your day without having a to-do list. It helps in knowing what you need to do so that you can waste no time and focus on getting the tasks done.
Of course, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself by writing down 20 or 50 things to do.
Most people only able to get 4 – 6 items done on a typical day. Thus, make sure you only schedule high-impact tasks that are really important to your to-do list.
Scrap the thinking that more is better. When it comes to being productive, the Pareto’s Rule is king. Do and focus on what is important. Don’t try to do everything because you can’t.
Here’s an interesting article you may want to read:
One of the most direct ways to get your work done faster and earlier is to wake up early. When you start your day early, you can get things done earlier and have more time for other things.
Here are some examples of successful people who wake up extremely early to get things done according to Huff Post:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of my favorite movie stars, wakes up and hit the gym for his routine workout by 4 AM each day.
Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter and Square gets up at 5 AM to meditate and exercise before he gets into the office.
Richard Branson, the billionaire behind Virgin Group wakes up around 5:45 AM to exercise and have breakfast before he starts his day.
And the famous billionaire investor, Warren Buffett wakes up at 6.45 AM and starts his day by reading the newspaper.
And the list goes on and on.
Now, you don’t have to wake up as early as 5 AM if you don’t want to, but one thing you have to understand is that most successful people choose to wake up early so that they can kick-start their day in the right pace.
Imagine if you wake up late and you have to rush to the office. You don’t have time for a good shower or a healthy breakfast. You don’t spend quality time with your loved ones and you have to rush to the office because you’re late. How do you think your day will turn out? Not good.
As a blogger, I can wake up any time I want, but still, I choose to get up at 6.20 AM every day. I start my work between 9 to 10 AM. And I prefer to get up early so that I have plenty of time to prepare myself for the rest of the day.
I will read in the morning, schedule my work, make breakfast, and sometimes even send my wife to work.
So if you want to get your work done faster, get up early.
5. Take micro-breaks
This may sound contradicting, but trust me, taking micro-breaks throughout the day allows you to get your work done faster.
You have to understand that we’re not machines. We’re humans. And being a human, we all need rests to recharge our energy, motivation, and willpower.
If you always procrastinate, feeling exhausted at the end of your workday, or feel like you’re not making much progress even though you spend a lot of time on a task, it may be a sign you’re not taking enough breaks.
Research has proved that taking regular short breaks can boost our productivity throughout the day. Our energy and willpower work just like our mobile phone’s battery.
In the morning, if you have a good sleep the night before, your energy bar will be full at 100%. And as you start your day, get busy, and work on your stuff, you use your energy. So if you don’t take a break to recharge your battery, eventually, you will deplete it and feel exhausted.
When you lack the willpower, it will be difficult to focus on your task at hand. This is why taking micro-breaks is important. You constantly recharge yourself to maintain your productivity by refreshing your mind through breaks.
So how do you take micro-breaks? Here are some easy methods:
Taking a break once an hour.
There were studies showed that those who distract themselves for a break once an hour performs better than those who keep at it without taking a break.
Move your body.
As human beings, our bodies are not designed to sit around all day long. You need to move to increase your blood and oxygen flow. Hence, move your body or take a walk throughout the day.
Take a tea break.
We all know that tea can be good for us due to its antioxidants entities, but the act of taking time away from your work gives you time to slow down and refresh your mental energy.
And if you want to learn more about taking breaks, read my previous article:
Want to work faster? Then batch your similar tasks together. This is easy to understand, but most people don’t do it.
I used to jumble all my work together, but since a few months back, I started to follow Jack Dorsey’s “theme day” concept to approach my work.
Being a CEO to both Square and Twitter, Dorsey needs to be extremely productive in managing his time. So how does he keep up with his job? This is what he said on Forbes:
“The way I found that works for me is I theme my days. On Monday, at both companies, I focus on management and running the company…Tuesday is focused on product. Wednesday is focused on marketing and communications and growth. Thursday is focused on developers and partnerships. Friday is focused on the company and the culture and recruiting. Saturday I take off, I hike. Sunday is reflection, feedback, strategy, and getting ready for the week.”
The concept of daily themes is effective because when you do so, you are batching similar tasks together and get them all done at the same time.
As for me, on Tuesday and Thursday, which are my blogging day, I will write long-form content for my blog. Like writing this article right now, I devoted my entire day for content writing. And for Wednesday, I use this day for creating images for Pinterest and Facebook.
After applying this concept for about 2 months, I can say that I’m able to work faster because I can focus better.
When you allow yourself to focus on a task for long enough, you’re able to reach the ‘flow state’ where you can perform better. The flow state is exactly what we’re going to talk about in the next technique.
Therefore, combine your effort together. Batch similar tasks so that you can get them all done at the same time.
For instance, if you want to write content for your blog, don’t brainstorm to come up with just one title only. Generate all the content ideas together, say you can come up with a month’s worth of article titles.
And when you proceed to writing, focus on just the writing. Don’t switch from writing to creating images and then back to writing again.
If you want to get your work done faster with higher efficiency, focus on doing one thing until you get it done. Only then you switch to another task.
7. Enter your flow state
I bet there are times when you lost yourself in your work, so much so that you’re so focused at what you do and you don’t realize the time. And this is the flow state.
The concept of flow was first coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. And this is what he said about flow:
“I developed a theory of optimal experience based on the concept of flow—the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it”
In short, when you’re in the flow state, you are 100% focused on the task at hand. You will lose track of time and you will forget about the things that are happening around you.
More importantly, you become more creative, productive, and able to get your work done faster without sacrificing quality.
So how do you achieve the flow state? Here are a few suggestions:
1) Make sure there are no distractions.
You want to allow yourself to focus 100% on the task at hand and you don’t want to have interruptions that take away your attention.
Lock yourself in the room if necessary, switch off your phone, put on the headphones, and make sure you are not distracted because you’re hungry.
2) Do not multitask.
If you multitask, you are distracting yourself. While it may sound multitasking is a much better approach to getting things done, when it comes to productivity, nothing beats single-tasking.
Our brains just don’t function that way. We can’t focus on two things at the same time. We can do two things simultaneously, we just can’t focus on both at the same time. What really happens is in our brains is we’re constantly switching focus from one task to another.
This is why we can’t text someone while driving. We can’t read and talk to someone at the same time.
3) Allow yourself enough time to focus on the task.
Flow state will not come to you instantly. It takes time to get into it. You need to give yourself time to fully focus on a task and get into a flow state. It’s like warming up.
It can take minutes to enter a flow state. And whenever you are interrupted, you will have to restart again.
Practicing these 3 steps above can greatly increase your chances of entering a flow state.
Mindfulness meditation helps in boosting your flow too. When you are absolutely calmed, at the present, and focused, you can get your work done faster.
But I’m not an expert with mindfulness meditation. So if you want to learn, learn from the experts. And one of them is none other than Jason Stephenson.
Conclusion
Imagine if you could get all of your work done by 3 PM, how will that make you feel? What if you can double your productivity and get more done each day and each week? How much more can you accomplish?
We have covered a lot of ground in this article. If you want to work faster, get more done, and become more productive, use the 7 techniques shared above.
Let’s take a fun journey into the world of humor and discover how it keeps our minds healthy! Did you know that laughter isn’t just about having fun? It’s like a hidden superpower for your brain.
We’ll explore how smiling and laughing can boost your inner strength, making you feel happier and less stressed.
It’s more than just jokes—laughter is a clever tool our brain uses to keep us feeling good. So, are you ready to laugh your way to a brighter, healthier you?
Understanding the interplay between humor and mental health can shed light on how laughter serves as a tool for not only social bonding but also psychological resilience.
The Psychology of Humor
Humor is a fascinating cognitive function, sparking high levels of brain activity. It’s not just about telling jokes; humor plays a key role in emotional regulation and how we connect socially. In fact, studies, including a review by the American Physiological Society, show that humor acts as a powerful bridge, enhancing communication and bonding between people. When you laugh, your brain releases a mix of feel-good hormones like dopamine, which stimulates the brain’s reward pathways. Research also shows that regular laughter can reduce stress by up to 39%, proving it’s a natural mood booster!
Benefits of Laughter on Well-Being
Laughter sets off a chain of physiological reactions that improve your mood and well-being. Here’s how laughter helps:
Reduces stress: Endorphins released during a good laugh help lower stress levels. In fact, studies show laughter can reduce stress hormones like cortisol by up to 70%.
Enhances immune function: Research, including studies found on ResearchGate, suggests regular laughter may boost immune response, helping the body fight off illness more effectively.
Improves happiness: Laughter and humor therapy have been shown to enhance optimism and life satisfaction. According to Positive Psychology, humor significantly boosts overall well-being, increasing happiness by up to 30%.
Boosts social connections: Laughter fosters stronger social bonds. Studies suggest people who share a laugh feel more connected and build trust faster in relationships.
Improves pain tolerance: Laughter increases the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, raising pain tolerance and reducing discomfort by up to 10%.
Promotes heart health: Regular laughter can improve blood flow by up to 22%, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health.
By understanding and harnessing the power of humor, you unlock its powerful ability to build resilience, improve relationships, and boost both mental and physical health.
Incorporating Humor in Therapeutic Settings
Humor in therapy can serve as a bridge, connecting you to new perspectives of healing. It’s a tool that can lighten moods and forge bonds in clinical environments.
Humor-Based Therapy Techniques
When you’re facing a challenging time, the notion of humor might seem distant. However, therapeutic humor is a viable intervention designed to promote health and wellness. Therapeutic techniques often involve stimulating playful discovery and encouraging the expression or appreciation of life’s incongruities.
Surprise and Confusion: Some techniques encourage looking at a problem through a humorous lens, creating surprise or confusion. This can prompt you to seek alternative frameworks for problem-solving.
Shared Laughter: Group sessions might incorporate shared laughter exercises designed to build rapport and encourage social interaction.
Laughter Yoga: This combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama), aiming to tap into the psychological benefits of laughing.
Funny Dry Humor Jokes: Integrating a specific style of humor, such as funny dry humor jokes, can be particularly effective in therapy. This type of humor, characterized by a subtle, often understated delivery, can bring a light-hearted touch to therapy sessions. It works well in reducing the seriousness of a situation, making it easier to discuss difficult topics. The use of such humor can create a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging clients to engage more openly and comfortably in therapeutic processes.
Integrating humor into therapy isn’t about telling jokes; it’s about fostering an environment that allows for light-heartedness amidst the seriousness of mental health treatment. Interventions can be custom-tailored to fit your unique needs and therapy goals.
Case Studies of Humor in Therapy
Actual case studies reveal how incorporating humor can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health outcomes.
Reducing Anxiety: Studies have shown that humor can help reduce anxiety by breaking the cycle of negative thoughts and replacing them with a lighter outlook.
Enhancing Group Therapy Dynamics: In group settings, humor helps create a sense of unity and can improve social support, making the therapeutic process more effective.
By examining real-world applications, it is evident that humor can have a place in the delicate framework of therapy. It’s not a panacea, but it’s another tool you can use to navigate the complexities of mental health.
Motivational Theories Behind Humor
Understanding why humor works as a motivational tool can help you harness its power more effectively. Below, explore how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations relate to humor, and consider humor’s role in social bonding and as a coping mechanism.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is your internal drive to do something for its inherent satisfaction. When you laugh at a joke, you’re experiencing an intrinsic reward. Humor can spark your interest, making learning and engagement feel less like work and more like play.
Contrastingly, extrinsic motivation involves seeking external rewards. If humor is employed to achieve high marks or praise, for instance, it’s tapping into extrinsic motivators. However, intrinsic motivation linked to humor often leads to more profound and lasting engagement.
Humor as Social Bonding and Coping Mechanism
Social Bonding: Laughter isn’t just a response to humor; it’s a social signal. By sharing a joke, you’re building a bridge to others, fostering trust and cooperation. Humor can act as a glue in social settings, helping you connect and stay motivated through shared experiences.
Coping Mechanism: Facing adversity, humor becomes a shield. As you laugh in the face of challenges, tension dissipates. Humor has the uncanny ability to provide relief of tension, like steam escaping, making problems feel lighter and more manageable.
Practical Applications of Humor
Humor serves as a powerful tool in managing mental well-being, offering respite in personal spheres and fostering an inclusive atmosphere at the workplace.
Daily Practices for Individuals
Incorporate humor into your morning routine. Start your day with a smile by watching a short comedic clip or reading a couple of jokes. Maintain a ‘humor journal’. Just as you might track gratitudes or daily events, jot down funny occurrences or thoughts that bring laughter. This can be a personal inventory of joy to revisit when you need a lift.
Creating a Positive Environment at Work
Share a laugh with colleagues. Introduce a ‘funny moment of the day’ during team meetings where each person can share a light-hearted story or joke. Humor boards. Devote a space on the office bulletin board for employees to post cartoons or humorous quotes—make sure the content is appropriate and inclusive to maintain a respectful workplace culture.
Challenges and Limitations of Using Humor
While humor can be a powerful tool in uplifting spirits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Below, you’ll navigate the tricky waters of when and how to use humor effectively in mental health.
Recognizing Appropriate Contexts
You need to gauge the room before cracking a joke. Not every situation benefits from humor, especially in sensitive contexts where individuals may be dealing with serious emotional distress. Humor has to be used judiciously, tailored to a person’s condition and preferences, and it’s essential to ensure that it’s conducive to healing rather than being dismissive of one’s feelings.
Potential Pitfalls and Misunderstandings
Even with the best intentions, humor can backfire. You must be vigilant about two main risks:
Blocking Emotional Expression: Sometimes, humor can act as a barrier rather than a bridge, hindering the person from expressing deeper feelings or concerns.
Misinterpreted Messages: What’s funny to you might be offensive or hurtful to someone else. Misjudging the type of humor can lead to misunderstandings or even harm the therapeutic relationship.
By being mindful of these challenges, you can better navigate the delicate balance humor requires in mental health contexts.
Measuring the Impact of Humor
Understanding humor’s role in mental health involves two approaches: quantifying its effects and observing changes over time. Here’s how you can measure the subtleties and the long-term benefits of laughter on the mind.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments
In the quest to gauge humor’s effectiveness, you’ll encounter quantitative assessments, which look at numbers and statistics. Think surveys with Likert scales that ask you to rate your mood after a comedy show. Qualitative assessments, on the other hand, dive into the texture of your experience. You’ll find open-ended interviews asking how humor shifts your outlook on life. Both methods aim to capture humor’s essence in different, yet complementary ways.
Longitudinal Studies on Humor Intervention
To see humor’s lasting sparkle, longitudinal studies are your go-to. These studies track individuals’ reactions to humor over weeks, months, or even years. They can reveal how consistent chuckles might ease your stress or bolster resilience. Research suggests that engaging with humor can lead to notable improvement in mental well-being over time.
Future Directions in Research and Practice
Exploring humor’s potential in mental health is burgeoning. Your knowledge, paired with emerging studies, promises innovative therapies and deeper insights.
Innovative Approaches to Humor Therapy
The quest for new methods in humor therapy is exciting. You might find studies proposing techniques that intertwine surprise and confusion as part of the therapeutic process. Such methods could encourage you to rethink problems and foster resilience. Meanwhile, multiform humor therapy is gaining traction for its versatility and adaptability to individual needs, which could revolutionize personalized care strategies.
Expanding the Understanding of Humor’s Role
In understanding humor’s full impact, you’ll see an upswell in research that dissects its neuroscientific and psychopathological facets. Investigations will likely delve deeper into how humor can enhance well-being and serve as a preventive tool against mental health struggles. Your grasp of this information will be instrumental in crafting interventions that are both effective and enjoyable for those seeking help.
And that’s our laughter-filled journey! We’ve discovered how amazing humor is, not just for a quick smile, but for keeping our minds happy and healthy. Remember, every giggle and chuckle is like a mini workout for your brain, making you stronger in facing life’s ups and downs.
So, the next time you laugh, think about the awesome things it’s doing for your mind. Keep finding reasons to chuckle, because laughter really is a superpower in our everyday lives. Here’s to more laughs and happier days ahead!
