The Detoxing Man is Sincere (in word and deed).
I have never been very funny. You can ask my wife who I have known for two full decades or my children who I have known for 16, 14 and 8 years respectively. And yet, humor is an essential part of my existence. It is one of the first things that drew me to my wife. She is hilarious. I receive so much joy because of how her mind works to turn cleverness into humor and how she has taught our children to do the same. I laugh intensely at the dinner table during our family games. I laugh because these are my people. It is our truth, and it is funny because it is true.
But, my love of laughter is made more rich because I am sincere in my appreciation for the joy they bring to my life. I tell them often how much they mean to me and how much I love them. I use text messages and hand written notes. I use hugs and tussles of hair. I am sincere in both word and deed because that is what they deserve. They deserve to be loved sincerely and without expectation.
Sincere words and deeds are not just about familial love, though. It is in how we ask questions. We must sincerely want an answer. It is in how we give attention to the things we care about. We must sincerely give our time and be present whenever we can. It is in sharing our stories. We must sincerely share of ourselves without making up narratives that are more convenient or polished.
And when we act with sincerity, those around us notice. When I make dinner, do the dishes, or fold our laundry, I do it with the sincere hope that I am contributing to what our family needs right now, that I am sincerely sharing my life with my partner and my children. They are not beholden to me, because they also sincerely want to be here. And so, I laugh when they laugh and I am joyful for the sincere moments we share together.