I was doing some food shopping the other day. This guy came around the corner not paying attention and he ran into me. He was very very short. In today’s pc lingo he might be considered vertically challenged. All the tomatoes, lemons, cans, and stuff he was carrying fell on the floor and rolled all over the aisle. He looked up at me and said, ‘I’m not Happy. I looked down at him and said, ‘Which one are you?”
Humor is a funny thing. Pun intended. There’s so much quantifiable goodness that comes out of it. I’m sure you’ve heard most of it, but let me remind you of some of that goodness: Laughter relaxes the whole body. Laughter boosts the immune system. It triggers the release of endorphins. Laughter protects the heart. It works the muscles. Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load because it helps to put things into perspective. Laughter burns calories. Maybe not a lot, but every little bit helps, yes?
Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
I found across this website that just absolutely cracks me up. I’m sitting in my room laughing out loud with myself. You know, the kind of laughter that brings tears to your eyes. When I step out to start my day after laughing that hard first thing in the morning, I observe how good I’m feeling. I notice how relaxed I am. At the same time, my body feels alive. I’m ready for this day. I walk out of my room smiling and looking for someone to share the laugh with. This is why I’m sharing this with you.
Here’s a creative way a couple is dealing with stress and looking forward to the end of the pandemic: From the wife’s point of view: My husband purchased a world map, handed me a dart, and said, “Throw this and wherever it lands—that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.” Turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.
One of the things that’s funny about humor, maybe not haha funny, but interesting and peculiar, is that what some people think is really funny, others might find offensive. So, unfortunately, you’ve got to be really careful these days. I did say unfortunately cuz everybody’s kind of tightly wound, and you don’t know how they may take it, but being careful is simply acting out of respect to not offend.
Here’s a quote from W. Lee Grant that says “Shared laughter creates a bond of friendships. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, teacher and pupils, worker and boss. They become a single group of human beings.” We find that common ground of humanity in laughter.
How can we brighten up our days? Start with a smile. Share it. When passing another, don’t look down, or at your phone. Look up and smile. See how faces light up when you smile at them. Now we’re brightening up someone else’s day. Another way is to count your blessings. You can’t be grateful and angry at the same time. Find yourself a website that makes you laugh and visit it. Make an appt and give yourself 5, 10 minutes a day to laugh. I tell you it’s amazing.
And, here’s the truth as I see it, big picture, we all really need to lighten up. Laugh together. The world will be so much brighter, more fun, and much easier to live in.
Just sayin’