Laughing Myself to Death April 23, 2008

I laughed myself into an asthma attack today and I never felt better.  After a conversation with a friend yesterday, I re-upped my commitment to laughing more.  I’ve been saying it for years now….laughter is powerful medicine.  I have attended seminars on the value of laughter as a healing tool (mentally, physically and spiritually), yet have failed to walk my talk.  (see http://lifeonhysterialane.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/ho-ho-ha-ha-ha/ )

Today I changed all that.

To prove to my friend that I was indeed committed to making the change, I called to leave a laughing message on his cell phone.  In order for it to be authentic, I felt it necessary to begin laughing prior to dialing.  So…as I drove down the road on this beautiful sunny day, I made myself laugh.  I must have looked like a lunatic.  Of course I started the process just as I approached a red light.  Making quite the spectacle of myself, but too far into the process to stop (or care at that point), I am sure I made quite an impression on nearby motorists.

By the time my friend answered the phone, I was laughing too hard to speak.  I left my (quite convincing) “message” and hung up.  Then I proceeded to wheeze and cough, struggling to catch my breath for the next two hours.  My inhaler got a work-out as did my face muscles.  (Not having laughed like that for some time, I won’t be surprised if my face is sore tomorrow!)

I reminded myself and I’ll say it again…….You really can’t be worried or afraid when you’re laughing.  You can’t be mad or depressed when your sides are splitting with joy.  Frustration goes out the window when your cheeks hurt and you’re trying to catch your breath.  Though the motorists who observed my seemingly certifiable behavior may have questioned my sanity, they also smiled.  Some of them laughed with (or at) me.  I’ll consider it my public service for today. 

Try it tomorrow.  Go ahead and crack your own self up.  I’m still smiling just thinking about it. 

And that  is something worth reporting………