Not Enough Synonyms For the Word Relating to Today's Theme

After spending three years here in Japan, I have come to realize one thing: I don't laugh here as much as I did back home. Is it because I don't have the same friends to hang out with? Yes, that's one reason. Is it because I've become too serious? It may be so. But I cannot go on like this. What actually brought this revelation started with me asking a friend to answer some questions in video format. Things like "When the Japanese students (the ones I teach here in Japan) go to Canada in the fall, what is your advice for them?" When I finally watched the video, though, I immediately knew the majority of the benefit was for me and my mental health. That is to say, in simple terms, I laughed a lot. And I don't expect students to laugh as much as me when I show it to them.

 With that, it's my new summer resolution to laugh more. It's not impossible from here; it's just harder. The thing is, I wasn't making it a priority because I didn't see how essential it is. Now I see it! Just five minutes of gregarious laughter made me feel so good. My whole body relaxed and I found myself smiling throughout the whole afternoon. Something I haven't done for a long time. Regardless of all the other things on my mind. The longing for home. The struggles with work. It faded into the background, if even for only a short time.

 So let's get our funny on. What makes YOU sound like an obnoxious hyena? Share in the comments section below!