As I write this on a dark, snowy day in January, it’s a bit of a challenge to come up with something bright, fresh and new for spring.
This requires a hot drink to warm the corpuscles. I head from my desk to the kitchen and see the only two plants I own, looking a little wilted. I pull the water jug out from under the sink, fill it and proceed to feed them. I put the jug back, go back to my desk and reach for my hot drink.
Long ago, in my 40s and 50s, that kind of thing would just exasperate me. But, more than a decade later, it’s just another reason to giggle.
Like when I head off to a meeting, gather all my stuff and try to get out of the car, but have neglected to take off my seat belt! Or, when at the grocery store, checking out and looking for my sunglasses that aren’t anywhere! At least, until either a cashier or a grandchild points to the top of my head. If it’s a cashier, we both laugh; if it’s a grandkid, they just shake their head.
When we were kids, my mom taught us that we either “pass wind” or “fluffle.” She hated the word “fart” and wouldn’t allow us to use it. And we were also told to say, “Excuse me,” when we did, especially if it was intentional. Now, a fluffle doesn’t look as bad in print as the other word does, but we all know what it means. Same with “burp,” although, it seems it’s not as objectionable as that other word.
Can you imagine at this age, standing in the kitty litter aisle and having to do one or the other? As soon as you do, and holler, “Excuse me!” you just know some associate is going to show up exactly then to ask if they can help! Well, just the thought of that makes me laugh.
There have been so many research studies about laughter, it’s hard to find all of them. Laughter research. They must have all got government grants! But they all say the same thing: adults don’t laugh nearly enough.
The benefits include, but are not restricted to the following;
- Reduces stress
- Promotes good mental health
- Lessens pain and discomfort
- Provides a mini-workout
- Strengthens lungs
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes heart health
- Promotes a healthier gut
Well, who wouldn’t want those things? Research also says kids laugh up to 400 to 500 times a day. And I have yet to not laugh when I’m around any kid, or kids who are laughing.
Laughing is good any season, and it is well worth finding the humour in practically anything! And, if you were able to laugh just one more time today reading this, my work here is done!
Laughter truly is the BEST medicine!
