Still others plunge us into an intimacy we may or may not have considered: “What is one thing from your past about which you feel most guilty?” (OK, so I’m chicken – I pass!)

It’s a fun game, and a good relationship-builder. And yet I wonder: what happens if I go a step farther, take initiative of shaping questions I need to hear.

IF . . . I want to make this year best one of my life, what one attitude will I change, starting right now?

IF . . . I truly believe that hope is possible and love is real, how will I let it show?

IF . . . I want to live so that my values show, what one thing will I do TODAY?

Your questions may be different from mine, and your answers surely will. But that’s beauty of “Game of Life”. There are as many questions as you need. And only YOU can shape answers - IF . . . you only take your values in hand and dare to begin.

© Maureen Killoran, 2005

6.Make it Big! Describe something gigantic. On your morning commute to work (of course while navigating your vehicle with utmost in attentive care and caution), describe something humongous. Maybe it’s biggest cell phone, coffee maker or Fourth of July sparkler ever to be seen at World’s Fair.

7.Demand Door to Door Comedic Entertainment. Rent your favorite classic comedy flicks or a few of new ones you’ve been meaning to get around to. What some may consider demise of America, I argue could be comedic cure. Blockbuster now offers unlimited door to door delivery service with your favorite DVDs without any pesky late fees or due dates. No kidding! You’re in for some serious first rate livin’ when you think about movies, laughs and life entertainment that will be waiting for you on your doorstep.

8.Fake a Roll or Take a Part. Play Scarlet O’Hara or just ham it up for day and walk through life with a particular point of view, strong opinion, clever persona, funny accent or problem that you must solve. Juice it up and have a dinner party where everyone has to maintain a character for night. I’ve got a New York City cowgirl (don’t call me an urban buckle bunny) persona in my hip pocket just waiting to come out. “This girl just ain’t sure how she’s gonna lasso herself up a ride on one of them quick four wheeled, yellow stallions.”

9.Let Off Some Silly Steam. Before things get too heated up think of something quirky, cool, comical or witty. Have a few funny incidents lined up in your head that you can flash to before you disagree, bicker or complain. Even slightest smile will ease ill feelings and spread goodwill throughout land. The absolute worst situations still have a silver lining… you are getting some really great comedic material for later. Focus on amusing or just plain weird moments that you’ll want to recap with your friends and laugh about later.

10.Hunt Down Funnies. Look for humor everywhere you go. Stalk it, pursue it and chase it down ‘til you fall over with laughter. Think about what makes you laugh, ironies of life that amuse you, comedians you adore, books that make you laugh aloud and which funny shows you refuse to miss. Read, watch or do all of above as often as you can.

With adults laughing on average 15 times a day and children laughing about 450… we’ve got some serious work to do. Try a tip, grab a giggle and go. Track your laughs fun and funky way. The free ‘Laughin’ Log’ is yours at www.shesite.com. Who knew at end of day you could add up 100 laughs (the equivalent to 15 minutes on an exercise bike) and fit in to your skinny jeans?!!

Exercise your sense of humor so you can trim your body, increase your joy and be a magnetic force that attracts others to you. Let your fun, gregarious side shine and give gushing benefits of laughter to everyone around you.

CAUTION: Laughs have been known to be contagious. So watch out, you might even infect grumpy, irritable and cantankerous folks in your life who always seem to have something to complain about.

www.shesite.com