Thursday, July 17, 2008

Humor

The last few blogs I have composed have been fairly serious, I wouldn't want anyone to think that I'm a stick in the mud or too worried about the world's injustice to have fun. The truth is humor is the best medicine!

I love to laugh, sometimes it's an awful laugh. I have, on many occasions, laughed so hard that I snorted, at other times I almost cackle and know I pull some very strange faces! I used to worry about my laugh and smile because when I do smile I reveal entirely too many gums. I used to get teased about it, and would try to smile with my mouth closed. Now, I don't even think about. It feels so good to smile, laugh, snort, squeal, etc...and ya know what? It's contagious! Try not to laugh along when you're with someone who is laughing a deep uproarious belly laugh...it can't be done!

Part of what makes my job so great is that we all laugh together, frequently...it would be almost impossible not to with our wise guardian, who I swear in another life may have been a stand up comedian. She truly has the quickest wit of almost anyone I know and absolutely lights up a room. The rest of us can't help but feel good around her, and the humor spreads.

My life with James and my kids is filled with jokes and fun, it brings us closer and is common ground for all of us. Did you know that the average 4 year old laughs something like 400 times a day, while the average adult laughs like 15? Well guess what, I have a 4 year old and just about every time she laughs I'm right there with her...who cares about crows feet and laugh lines, I truly believe that people who laugh often live longer! ( I am guilty of lathering on several creams to prevent the lines...I mean why have them if I don't have to?)

Humor is also very therapeutic. Have you ever cried and snotted all over yourself, felt miserable then someone close to you does or says something that makes you laugh, isn't it wonderful? "My favorite emotion is laughter through tears," said Olympia Dukakis' character in Steel Magnolia's (By the way, that is one of my favorite movie scenes ever...Sally Fields is pure genius at that moment...but I digress). Humor has the power to heal, and a positive attitude gets us way further than anger and frustration.

So, remember not to take yourself too seriously, don't be afraid to be foolish here and there, and try to laugh like a four year old...

6 comments:

rickismom said...

I love to laugh especially when my grandkids are around----because they invariably join in. So does Ricki (age 13, has Down s.). She may not understand the joke, but wants to join in anyway.

Anonymous said...

LOL, LOL, LOL!!! Do it as often as you can, and your right! It is contagious...it's health benefits are amazing, even heard laughing could help you burn more calories!! That alone makes it worth it right?? (think to self...enough laughing in, now I can eat another brownie!! hee hee.) Great blog FAB!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh...Cheryl I can hear you laughing and snorting in my head now. LOL Good times...good times.....

FAB said...

Hey ladies, it is wonderful isn't it? Thanks for the tip Stephanie, I think I will have earned a brownie by about 6 this evening, what a lovely benefit!

Anonymous said...

I would have to list your laughter as one of my favorite noises. You know, the one where you laugh so hard and start to cry. It's hysterical and makes me laugh. Pretty soon I forget what was sooo funny in the first place and I am wiping tears from my eyes. I love that we get paid to be in such a joyful place. Don't tell anyone, but I would show up for free! Have a wonderful, blessed and relaxing weekend.

FAB said...

I'm right there with you curly! I will take the pay as long they're willing to give it though!