As difficult as it may seem at times, we all have to learn how to look to the brighter side of our problems. This is especially appropriate for women, and the families of women, suffering from the effects of Menopause. While hot flashes, sleeplessness, and anxiety are not exactly light-hearted topics, studies have shown that laughter can heal. And after all of the remedies I have experimented with, a little laughter could go a long way.

As I was surfing the web the other day, I happened upon a collection of hilarious comics related to menopause. One of my particular favorites had an image of a woman, wrapped in a towel, reentering her home in the midst of the winter. There was the impression of a snow-angel on the ground behind her. The caption said something like hot flash therapy. I hadn't laughed that much in weeks. I forwarded the link to some friends, and they all had similar responses.

Shortly afterward, I got to thinking. Why is there this tendency, among women suffering the effects of Menopause, to waste their days feeling sorry for themselves? When one looks at the problem rationally, does this type of behavior not make matters worse? A lot has been said about the power of positive thinking, and I am seriously starting to believe there is something to this. I always thought it was an old wives tale...but maybe laughter is the best medicine.

I spoke with my friends and family about this, and they all agreed. They all claim, that since I have adopted this new outlook, I am like an entirely different person. In some ways, I am rather amused by this. I have spent years of my life trying to find ways to cope with the effects of Menopause, and it turns out that the answers were with me the whole time. I have simply stopped worrying about things, and I feel a million times better.

I don't want to suggest that the symptoms of Menopause have simply disappeared. It's just that the way I deal with them has changed significantly. A simple change of perspective, and all of the stress and anxiety I had surrounding my health has dissipated. I find myself feeling better when I am awake, and I am sleeping better at night. My home no longer reflects the stress I was feeling, and my family seems all the more closer. If this strategy can work for me, it can certainly work for you. The power of positive thinking can empower you to regain control of your health and your emotions. Smile, will you?