I believe in humor and laughter. I am blessed with a fairly decent sense of humor and being a Scorpio, it may even be a bit, “off the wall”. With all of the stress that we encounter today, I am especially grateful for that little thing called, “Humor”. We need to laugh. Not only every day, but as much as possible in a day’s time.

Who among us doesn’t love a good joke? Who doesn’t have a favorite comedian or sit-com? I doubt there are many today who don’t enjoy either. I generally use humor whenever I meet someone new who just doesn’t seem very pleasant. Many have been the time that I was able to crack out a smile on some of the toughest people in the office.

There are actual medical studies to indicate that laughter may indeed be a great medicine. Studies that show that laughter can reduce stress help stabilize your blood pressure, boost your immune system, boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, relieve depression and more. The act of laughing can also massage your internal organs, stimulate the flow of oxygen and stimulate circulation.

Humor is often used in hospitals and tense situations in order to relieve some of the tension and stress that people are experiencing. Remember the show, “MASH”, where “Hawkeye” explains about
how they need to laugh because of the stress they encounter daily? He has a great point regarding their need for humor, especially in the military, during wartime.

Remember Robin Williams in the film, “Patch Adams”? Some teaching hospitals are now, actually utilizing humor in their medical teaching. It increases motivation, improves morale and can promote interest and rapport among students.

If you haven’t read, “Anatomy of an Illness”, by Norman Cousins, (founder of the “Humor Treatments”), then check it out at your local library.

I am blessed with two beautiful, wacky cats that keep me laughing much of each day. Not everyone is able to experience that. Pets are a great way to induce laughter and if you have never had one; I feel bad for you. They can really pick you up when you’re down and they try harder than anyone, to do so.

I find that cats will try to fit into, literally, any sort of container, even if they have to go in headfirst. If you have never seen the maneuvers made by a grown cat trying to fit itself into a 6″ x 6″ x 5 1/2″ basket, then you have definitely missed something wild. If you have never witnessed such contortions as they go through, you have missed a fantastic circus act.

Children are another source of laughter; the smaller ones can come up with some great one-liners. You’d be surprised at what can come out of the, “mouths of babes”. Their young imaginations are sometimes the catalyst for a great deal of joy and laughter. They are some of the best teachers for showing us sour old adults the value of humor and laughter. The sound of children laughing is enough to make us laugh. It’s contagious!

One morning I got up and looked out of my kitchen window to see the neighbor’s two youngest children in my back yard. A blanket was spread, their dog and two cats were with them and they were apparently having a pretend picnic! I watched as the oldest one, prepared a plate, which she then served, to one of the cats. I laughed so hard that it really made my entire day.

I find humor daily in many things and experiences. Even something as ordinary as an ant carrying a cotton swab can tickle the ordinary funny bone. Just looking at close-up photographs of some insects can initiate a burst of laughter.

Anyone who doesn’t think that laughter is a great medicine, no doubt, hasn’t laughed nearly enough. Humor helps us to cope with the daily stress. It’s a great way to relax or loosen up a group. It’s a way to connect with others and often a great way to make friends. It’s used every single day by someone, somewhere and I personally am glad that we have it in our lives.