I live by the Jim Valvano theory of existence; it posits that one should do these three things every day:

“Number one is laugh. Number two is think — spend some time time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day.” 

I used to think about death all the time — that would take care of all three. But with age comes acceptance, complacency too. I hadn’t considered when the last time I cried was: so I kept track.

It hasn’t been every day, but a couple times a week seems good enough.

I can commit to trying.

SIDEBAR: The holy trifecta (laughing, crying, and thinking simultaneously) is an anxiety attack — when you’re crying crying. These are rare for me, you know, because I’m Mexican. It’s the assimilation in me that has mental health issues. Nonetheless, the American verison of sana, sana, colita de rana for an anxiety attack is to hold one’s stomach with both hands, calm one’s breath, and whisper, “fear is the mind killer.” For detailed instructions, see “DUNE” dir. Denis Villeneuve @ 26:30.