It was a great way to close out the year. When Annie and I read the email about the play, To Whom the Bridge Tolls, a satire about Marin Life, it seemed like the perfect way to spend the evening and bring in the new year.

Most all of us have experienced a difficult and challenging year. It’s also been a year that has paved the way for a year of change and opportunity.

Yes I was glad that we closed the chapter on 2008…..but for a different reason. I’m excited about 2009 beginning. I’m excited because I believe that the world is ready for a new approach and attitude to the age old problems.

As we were watching the show, I thought about how much I was laughing. And I don’t mean chuckling, but belly laughs. It was a great show. And because it was a satire about Marin life of which I am part of and enjoy, the jokes were in many ways about me and my choices.

And with most satires there is that line between truth and fantasy. In the show most of the jokes hit home and not only did I accept them, I enjoyed them. In fact one of them was about Life Coaches.

Of course when you are a writer, you have flashes of insights that you want to share with your audiences. I thought about what I would blog the next day. Laughter and acceptance were the two themes that rang the loudest. Finding the humor and paradox in the life we are living and accepting what that is. Laughter sure has a way of loosening us up.

I became clear about 2009. It’s my intention to laugh even more than I did in 2008 and I did my share of laughing; to see the humor in the life that I’m living; being able to play in it and see the bigger game.

I think that this is a worthy challenge for all of us. Since the pain is already there, it’s time to experience the other side, the side that brings us joy and well-being. Laugh and play about it all again.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational way. http://www.inspirepossibility.com