2026 - Endings and Beginnings

As 2025 was coming to a close, I sat down and spent some time thinking about life, sucesses, failures, and taking a deep look at the years to come. I realized that what I was expecting to "one day" become my full time work was really only going to be a hobby. A hobby I loved, but one that was taking too much time, and costing too much money. 

 

More and more groups were no longer paying for presentations, and even being paid as a Keynote Speaker didn't quite cover expenses. Whatever the reason, whether the fact that I was also balancing a full-time job, maybe not hitting the speaking mark I thought I was, or even the lack of educational credentials to boost my laughter yoga and laughter wellness training. The Smile Side of Life of a business is just spinning around in a circle. So, last October, I wrote this, which eventually would move the Smile Side of Life into a solely graphic design business at www.njlaughter.com

 

 

 

It is the Laughter We Will Remember

 

To all my friends and followers, including everyone at the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), there comes a time when, even something you love, may have to be set aside, or at least reduced in attention.

The Smile Side of Life has been my baby for more than 25 years, and I have an office full of the proof! I've loved the speaking, and met so many people that I would never have crossed paths with, if not for the Smile Side of Life. But the sad reality is, the traveling, the "promotioning", the conferences, the books - all add up to what accountants would call "a hobby."

 

So for now, while I will always live on the Smile Side of Life, it is time to step back, clear out that office!! and choose a new path. (I'll be a little slow while getting my toes fixed). I look forward to a cruise of the British Isles next spring, meeting cousins on my Scottish Grandmother's side, and hopefully going to each and every archeological site the cruise has booked. There will be pictures! 

 

Thanks again for all your friendship - and that remains steadfast!

 

With fond memories,

Noreen Braman