My electric toothbrush has seen it all.

I usually look in the mirror when I’m brushing my teeth, and for a while last fall, I often cried when I stared into my own eyes.

I did my best to hold it together in front of my sons—most of the time, anyway. But the mask often cracked when I met my own gaze. Deep sobs set to the gentle hum of my sonic. Life was just that overwhelming—with medical issues, a loved one’s shock diagnosis, and countless other challenges too numerous to list.

Then one day, after months of carrying more emotional weight than I had in decades, I decided to start looking for little ways to make myself smile again. And that toothbrush became a microphone.

First it was dramatic, cathartic songs like Fix You by Coldplay.

Then more hopeful ones, like Hey Jude—tears turning to chuckles with “Jude Jude Judy Judy Judy Judy!”

Eventually, completely ridiculous ones, like Bohemian Rhapsody, complete with head banging.

And suddenly life started feeling a little lighter. I still had problems. I still lacked solutions. But those laughs between the tears got longer and more genuine with every small moment of levity.

That’s what my When Life Sucks: 21 Days of Laughs and Light series is all about. (Spoiler alert: it’s pay-what-you-can—because I know what it’s like when money’s tight!)

I started writing these emails because it can be incredibly hard to find a little relief when life feels like a nonstop barrage of punches from the universe. I also know that sometimes laughter can come with a side of guilt if someone you love has a lot less to smile about.

But small flashes of light really can help us get through the darkness, and they don’t always appear on their own, which is why we have to create them.

These three weeks of emails outline my path to sparking joy, with a little insight and a gentle nudge for you each day.

And though the suggested payment is $19, you can sign up for as little as $1. (Or more if you just love Tiny Buddha and want to give a little more to balance out the $1 signups!)

If you’re ready for a little break from life’s relentless struggles, you can sign up here.

I hope it brings you a little