Mayra USA : I am a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I discovered Laughter Yoga while working at a community clinic. As I was preparing a wellness group for women, I decided to include a laughter session simply out of curiosity. Watching the session in action fascinated me, but what touched me most was the response from the participants. They loved it and shared how much they enjoyed the experience. Their enthusiasm inspired me to learn more, and after about a year, I became a certified Laughter Yoga Leader.

For many years, I struggled with low self-esteem and never imagined myself standing in front of people and leading a group. Becoming a Laughter Yoga Leader was a huge personal challenge, but after my training, I began offering free sessions and soon realized that I was healing myself while helping others.

After every session, I feel more centered, energized, and mentally present for my family and work. My mood became more balanced, and I started appreciating the little joys of life—walking in the rain, making new friends, going to the circus, and most importantly, learning to laugh at life's stressors.

In the beginning, I was the only person practicing Laughter Yoga in my area, and many people were puzzled by what I was doing. But with the support of my community and persistence, awareness grew, and people began to recognize the many benefits of Laughter Yoga.

Over the past 12 years, Laughter Yoga has transformed my outlook on life. It restored my joy, strengthened my self-esteem, and improved my communication and social skills. Today, I confidently speak, laugh, sing, play, and dance in front of audiences—something I once thought impossible.

As a mental health professional, Laughter Yoga has become an invaluable tool for restoring my energy after demanding days and helping others cope with stress and emotional challenges. I have witnessed remarkable changes in my participants as they learned healthier ways to deal with life's challenges.

One of my greatest joys is that my daughters have also embraced Laughter Yoga. Sharing laughter together has strengthened our family bond and created a joyful, resilient, and loving environment.

Laughter Yoga changed my life. It helped me overcome low self-esteem, discover confidence, and reconnect with joy. I am deeply grateful for this gift and for the opportunity to share it with others.