I tried my hand at cricket when I was a schoolboy. I gave up because I could not handle all the spin bowlers and their (un)expected curveballs. I would later learn about life throwing us unending streams of curveballs – big, small or nasty. Why bother with all the struggles? Sometimes, I don’t feel like getting up to continue fighting for my dreams. But then, giving up is often not an option.
There is hope when we are motivated, idealistic, and committed. Motivational speakers unload us with spadefuls of inspiring stories. They are helpful. These well-known tips prodded me and kept me going. Along the way, I learned that combining a positive attitude (thanks to Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale) and humour could make a genuine difference in life.
I am often amazed at how humour and fun can quickly make bleak situations seem much more positive. Having a humorous disposition can make unpleasant situations a lot more bearable. When we see things with even a little humour, we’ll quickly develop sufficient courage and determination to move along positively. For this reason, I have collected some amusing quotes to help me shift focus or perspective (below).
Humour is an excellent tool for calming heated situations. However, we must not come across as being facetious. The right humorous word at the right time can work wonders. (Similarly, a carelessly chosen word can spin a situation out of control). There are good reasons not to take life too seriously (Hi there, loosen up!) A humorous (and more laid-back) style of living makes handling all the curveballs that life throws us much more manageable.
Reading alternate views through funny quotes about life is an excellent way of developing a humorous perspective. The authors (below) have encountered daunting challenges but have found brilliant ways to deal with annoyances and difficulties. We call this a positive attitude – making rainy days appear bright.
A realistic overview of our journey through life:
“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” (Elbert Hubbard); “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” (Isaac Asimov). And don’t worry if you are afraid of dying – you won’t be around when it happens.
Quitting life is not an option, no matter how tired we feel:
“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” (Robert Frost). “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” (Albert Einstein). Be comforted, for we are all in the same boat!
Don’t be too distressed by differing and conflicting points of view – they could be refreshing:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” (Albert Einstein). “Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings.” (Robert Benchley).
And when things go screwy, remember the outcome might be most worthwhile:
“Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” (Terry Pratchett). “Good judgment comes from. Experience comes from bad judgment.” (Mark Twain).
And for those who want to evade reality, do be careful:
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. (Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) Reality can be dangerous if you do so – “Reality continues to ruin my life.” (Bill Watterson).
Less is more, and sometimes none is even better:
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.” (Will Rogers). The reason is that we all value peace (and quiet) – “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” (Blaise Pascal).
Finally, if things don’t work, keep trying – but try something different – “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” (Albert Einstein).
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
