How the Role of Play helped me find greater Joy

I have read and truly feel that it is a fine line between psychological illness and having mechanisms to cope with life and work stresses. With improv exercises & EMSIMPROV-"comedy with a purpose", I have crossed this line and I am ready to go forward, continuing to utilize the principles of and practices of coping with my issues. Why Improv?

Life changes- it is positive, it is negative and mundane at times. When we have rigid expectations for life’s circumstances we are setting ourselves up for issues and potentially problems. We want to work to be more spontaneous within the system of care and be able to make mindful decision.

In researching Improv, I found that Chinese philosopher, Laozi, promoted fluid and improvisational thinking to bring the sensitive person in line with the Dao (the Way of Nature). According to Laozi, it is by being receptive to immediate experience (wu-wei) that the wise person adapts perfectly to the needs of the situation.

Improv has helped me: decrease my social anxiety and improve my mindfulness, ability to be present, and confidence (not cockiness). It has sharpened my listening skills and increased my ability to laugh, play and trust. Most importantly I have more joy in my work and my life away from work.

In public safety we should work to advance people and our mission and YES that includes ourselves. Yes , and your partner, friends. Yes, and “ is a key principle of improvisation. Creating an acceptance even without agreement. Participants take what is given to them and are not to make it negative. We are to boldly take what we received from our partner and go with it. We learned to let whatever is going to happen. Improvisation plays a large role in our daily lives. My focus and desire is to bring improv training and skill as a form of personal development and tool for hope/progress towards closure in dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD and suicide.

Bringing things full Circle-In Improv there is a saying” the end is in the beginning- If you are stuck in a problem, refer back to the start, begin looking for closure.

About Responder Health

Responder Health is a first responder health and wellness program dedicated to law enforcement mental health and the behavioral wellness of firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families. First responder family support is a core part of that mission — because no one carries this work alone. Through a peer support program, mental health resources, and a commitment to first responder wellness, Responder Health works to make sure no first responder faces their hardest moments alone. If you or someone you know is struggling — whether with grief, burnout, or the invisible weight of the job — reaching out to a mental health hotline is one of the most important steps you can take. Trained peer advocates are available around the clock. Call the Responder Health 24/7 Peer Advocate Hotline at 253-243-3701 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.