When was the last time you laughed? I mean really laughed. I’m talking deep, belly rumbling, side aching, snorting, laughter. Odds are, it’s been a while.
Last weekend I laughed longer and harder than I’ve laughed in a long, long time, and it felt SO GOOD!
The first bout came as my husband was telling our friends a funny and embarrassing story about his 21st birthday. I’ll spare the details, but think boys, bar, beer, waitress – use your imagination and you’ll be close. I’d heard the story before, but forgot the punch line, and for some reason it hit me right on the funny bone this time. I laughed so hard I had to excuse myself from the room to avoid snorting my adult beverage down my nose.
The second time happened when I rode a rollercoaster – something I haven’t done in absolutely YEARS! I certainly didn’t do anything so wild and outrageous during my TTC years (just in case, you know) and the opportunity hasn’t presented itself since. So, last weekend I rode The Roller Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas.
Let me tell you, I laughed! I whooped down the first drop, howled through the corkscrew, screamed in delight around the spiral and laughed so hard my legs shook. And do you know what? I felt great!
Something loosened up when I laughed like that. Some lump of built up tension released in me, and the weight that’s been dragging me down for so long lifted. Maybe it’s only a temporary reprieve, but I’ll take it. Laughter really is an excellent medicine.
So, if you could use a laugh, here’s a good article about the health benefits of laughter, including some tips for adding laughter to your life. (I’m adding “ride a rollercoaster to the list.)
I know that when life doesn’t go as planned it’s hard to find any humor at all, and when you’re healing from loss and dealing with grief, nothing’s funny. I know. But finding something to smile about, even just a giggle, can do you a world of good, and when the time is right, a great big belly laugh can help put your whole life back into perspective.
So, my challenge to you this week: Find something to laugh about. If nothing’s funny, just force yourself to smile until it turns into a giggle, and then let the laughter follow. I promise you, you’ll feel so much better.
Colleen says
I have to agree about the laughter. This weekend we were on an airplane flight and the steward that did the safety talk turned it into a comedy routine. I laughed so hard, and I think because I was laughing so much the man across the aisle started laughing right along with me. I know airplane safety isn’t something to laugh about but this guy was hilarious. Sign me up to come to his first comedy show! 🙂
lmanterfield says
I think I’ve been on his flight!
And yes, while you can’t going around just making a joke of everything, by the same token, it’s not healthy to take absolutely everything so seriously. Laughter is a good ab workout too!
Angela says
Watch the movie “Bridesmaids,” I laughed so hard! Kristen Wigg is hysterical, my husband even was cracking up 🙂 You’ll love it!
lmanterfield says
Yes, I laughed so hard I cried.