If I could bring even a little light into your heart

Before I know it, another morning begins with a sigh.

There are days when you want to smile, but your heart just won't move, aren't there?

"Why does it feel so heavy?"—my chest aches even though I don't know the reason.

I can't tell anyone, so I carry it all by myself.

I, too, have experienced depression and cancer, and I've spent many days like that.

However, strangely enough, laughter finds its way in through the cracks in any situation.

When I missed the nurse call in the ICU, I had no choice but to dangle it and laugh.

When I made a witty remark about my daughter's strange behavior, I realized my heart felt a little lighter.

I realized that laughter isn't about strength, but a "sign of belonging."

I would be happy if this text could become one of those places of belonging for you.

When your heart is unsettled, looking around makes you feel like "everyone else has left me behind."
But you are not the only one having a hard day.

I myself have experienced thinking "this is the end" many times.
Both on the days I couldn't get up due to depression, and the day my mind went blank after being diagnosed with cancer.

Even so—the moment where you end up laughing will surely come.
A small blunder, a child's smile, a word from someone.
That moment held my heart together, telling me "it's okay to be here."

If you are standing still with dark feelings right now,
please rest assured.
You are not alone.




From "how to find moments to laugh" to "small habits to ease your mind," I have compiled mental care methods you can actually try below.

1. "Tsukkomi (witty retort) Diary" to shift your mood with laughter

On days that are tough, try writing down a "Tsukkomi of the day."
• The train is delayed → "You're slower than my motivation!"
• Dropped my change at the convenience store → "Gravity is too strong!"

A witty retort is magic that transforms anger and anxiety into "laughter."
If you start with one retort a day, you will gradually train your "laughter brain."

2. The habit of picking up "one chuckle a day"

Sources of laughter are buried in everyday life.
• A child's sleep talk
• A pet's funny face
• Your own silly mistake

Just looking back on "what made me laugh today" makes your heart feel lighter.
You don't need to laugh exaggeratedly.
Just finding a "chuckle" is enough.

3. "Forced Grin Stretch"

The method is simple.
Make a funny face in front of the mirror for 10 seconds.
The brain mistakes it for "having fun," and your autonomic nervous system calms down.

It looks stupid, but it's a surprisingly effective form of self-care.
I did this during chemotherapy, and the nurse burst out laughing (lol).
……She happened to walk in while I was making a funny face ꉂ🤣w‪𐤔

4. "Immunity of laughter" learned from experience

Having experienced both depression and cancer, I realized that
"laughing through tears" is the best weapon to protect your heart.

Rather than getting seriously dark, responding with a "Why are you doing that?" helps you live longer.
Laughing is not inappropriate.
Rather, it is an important habit that boosts your heart's immunity.

Afterword

I would be happy if this text could bring even a little light into your heart.
You don't have to be strong. You don't have to recover.
Just pick up the moments where you can "chuckle."
With just that, your heart will definitely feel lighter.

Your smile will surely be someone's salvation.