Ho-Ho, Ha-Ha-Ha February 4, 2008
I really miss laughing. I used to be a funny, smiley person. I’m not entirely sure what happened (”entirely” being the operative word here…), but I’ve turned into someone I barely even recognize most days. What’s different you ask? I’ve gained 70 pounds and I stopped laughing (not necessarily in that order.)
I attended a Humor Conference several years ago when I first realized that I had become about as much fun to be around as a Tuberculosis patient with a tickle in her throat. During this conference I got the real scoop on how laughter actually can heal. There were medical seminars and scientific seminars, all pointing to the healing powers of humor. Throughout the conference they offered Laughfests, led by “Certified Laugh Leaders”. These were usually held first thing in the morning before the seminars got under way. At first, I thought it was a ridiculous display. A group of grown people in a circle forcing themselves to laugh. Well, let me tell you, it is something to experience. The first 15 seconds were the worst. I was very self-conscious about looking stupid. “Ho!Ho!….ha!-ha!-ha!…….Ho!Ho!…….ha!-ha!-ha!…..” we would chant in unison. (Done properly, air is audibly forced on the “h” sounds and your hand is on your stomach) Within 30 seconds I was definitely smiling, and by the 60 second mark I was usually trying to control my bladder. There is no quicker way to connect with another human than through hysterical laughter fighting for a stall.
WE ALL NEED TO LAUGH! Have you ever laughed so hard that you snorted and milk came out your nose? Or so hard that you couldn’t speak? Isn’t it just about the best feeling ever (not so much with the milk)? How can that not be healing (unless you’re tearing stitches)? Do you even remember the last time you laughed out loud? I stopped laughing out loud. For years I adopted the air-coming-through-the-nostrils-with-a-slight-nod kind of laugh. I miss my doubled over stupid-face laugh! I feel happier just thinking about laughing. Even if it’s just for a minute, you can’t be sad/mad/worried/scared or frustrated when you are laughing.
Look, we all have something to heal, be it dis-ease, broken spirits, or hangnails. Laughing can’t hurt. It doesn’t cost a thing (glee is free!), and you don’t need prior authorization. Let’s laugh so hard our cheeks hurt….Now …..close your office door, put your hand on your stomach and repeat after me….”Ho!Ho!…..ha!-ha!-ha!……Ho!Ho!…..ha!-ha!-ha!…..
Michelle
I was just browsing blogs and came across yours, and may I say that I have truly enjoyed what I’ve read. I shall be back, many times, and look forward to reading future postings.
You made me smile today; thanks for that!
Roux
…and your user name is making me hungry! You are welcome back anytime, my friend…..thanks.
Hey Michelle,
I just joined this blog and read your post and wanted to tell you I enjoyed your honesty and insight!
Yes, laughing is amazing and I applaud you for finding that nugget of gold within you!!!
When you say you “used to be a funny,smiley person” I’m pretty sure YOU still are!!!! It’s just that fear inside you telling you that you’re not. But what about your authentic self … the one who “was” all those things. I can tell by your post that “she” is busting out of your soul and begging for you to hear her and not keep her locked up anymore!!
I can give you a hint at the actual “best feeling ever” and it starts and ends with your path to freedom from fear!
No more judging yourself, no more looking in the mirror and hating your body, no more wishing, waiting, and hoping that things are going to miraculously change for you.
(Although we ALL wish it were that easy!!!)
I invite you to explore your thoughts on how ready you are to shift your perception of “you” … because I PROMISE it is not real.
Keep finding the laughter … and live fearlessly!!!
DailyK
that is just what I need as well. I have had a terrible day and I am struggling to find the funny but I know it is there. Reading this is reminding me to try to find to find it.