Solutions Magazine goes
deep with Candace Payne on
depression, joy, and her new
book, Laugh It Up!
Q: Candace, as “Chewbacca
Mom” you lit up the internet with
your infectious laughter and
became an instant hit with millions
of people. Why do you think your
“Chewbacca” video had such a
profound affect on so many?
Laugh It Up! Embrace Freedom
and Experience Defiant Joy,
that we all put on masks at some
point in our lives that end our true
desires, wants and identities. Share
with us a bit about some of the
masks you have worn.
A: I have often felt as though
being fun and childLIKE was not
useful in a world that demands
we be taken seriously in our
profession. I really felt the pressure
A: I believe there are two things
to be “taken seriously” and found
about the video that resonates
myself hiding behind a facade of
with people. The first is the
do’s and don’ts, trying to replicate
authentic moment that was
captured. Because let’s be honest, the success others found in their
unique styles. Through those
there’s nothing truly remarkable
experiences, I learned there was a
about a 4 minute video with 3
minutes of it being laughter (unless difference in being childLIKE and
childISH. And, somewhere along
that laughter radiates pure joy). I
the way, I had to shut out the
feel people connected with that
moment of true authentic laughter shouts of comparison and stand
up to be the very person I was
and unfiltered joy.
trying to suppress. It all started with
I also know that the
a simple belief that I am enough
“temperament” on social media
and who I am authentically is what
can be somewhat spicy and
I am meant to be.
negative. I believe this video
offered some much needed levity That’s not the only mask I’ve worn.
When I became a mom for the
at a time when the world felt
first time, I was consumed with the
heavy. It was a nod to the simpler
moments of life; the ones that defy desire to be a good one. What
that meant to me at the time was
the norm and mundane of an
trying to keep up with the newest
average day and finds space to
play. We all want to revel in simple trends and advice about breast-
feeding vs. bottle-feeding, how
joys. And for those four minutes,
you’re supposed to discipline your
you could!
kiddos, and whatever else…you
Q: You write in your new book,
name it. It was exhausting. All the
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