We’ve all experienced difficult times in our lives, and for
the most part we survive them and go on. It’s these bumps in
the road that give us that can-do feeling.
Q. Why do you believe that it’s never too late to have a
happy childhood?
Children are masters of living in the moment; but for most
adults it takes some work. If we integrate some of what kids
do we can approach each day with awe and look at every-
thing with new eyes. We let go of a “been there, done that”
attitude and really look around us. That creature on the floor
is not just another bug, it’s
a BUG!
When we are truly involved in the natural flow of our
life, time and space disappear; we now live in the moment,
we are at our best and feel oh, so good. Allow your children
or grandchildren to lead you down the slippery slope to a
place where you can act silly and be a child again. There,
you will rediscover the simple pleasures that bring you hap-
piness, joy and a pure sense of awe.
Q. What advice do you have for families to create a home
filled with joy rather than anxiety?
Role modeling joyful, optimistic behavior ourselves is one
of the best ways to create a happy family. Often, we have
no clue how powerful our everyday conversations and body
language are in influencing children’s behavior.
I suggest doing simple things together, like eating dinner.
Let everyone in the family have unstructured play time. And
don’t waste your day worrying; instead pat yourself on the
back for what you have done right.
Don’t reserve fun for weekends, birthdays and holidays;
pick a day and celebrate for no reason at all. Live life as if
you only have a few moments left. Just break out the cham-
pagne and party pants and celebrate!
Q. How can people maintain their joy during difficult
times?

Few can be joyful 24/7, but even in the darkest times, there
can be humor and laughter. Laughter makes life easier; it
allows us to see the absurdity of it all and gives our brains
a vacation and a reality check. Being in good humor keeps
life simpler, lighter and more humane. Let’s all have amazing
lives, where you become the fun you are seeking—your own
entertainment
center. That way, wherever you go will be joyful, if you just
show up.
For more stress-busting fun, visit LorettaLaroche.com and
watch for this month’s PBS special, Juicy Living, Juicy Aging.
Also see her at Hay House’s Tampa, FL conference, Nov. 19-
22; register at ICanDoIt.net. See ad on page??.
Connect with freelance writer Gail Condrick of Sarasota, FL,
at niavisions.com.

August 2009
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