I sat down to write and asked my guides what I should babble about today. I had several meaningful ideas and was excited to share them. Then I heard, “Too many people take the world so seriously today. You should write about the value of humor.” I made a baffled face and thought now really, don’t most adults know that humor is a fun and needed tool to make it through life in one piece? Apparently not, or maybe ya’ll just need a reminder, so here it goes!
Finding things to laugh at is as natural to me as breathing. I laugh SO easily that it is nuts! For instance, there is a video on Youtube in which Baby Yoda attempts to speak his first words, which are “Martha Barber.” I can’t even write about this without giggling! Having cackled at this tomfoolery for months now, I chortled again this morning when my husband began muttering “Martha Barber” while waddling around the kitchen, perfectly mimicking my short green friend. Here’s the link to the video: https://youtu.be/p8bTjPLWVU8
It is truly no wonder that I have been deemed “weird” since I was a kid because I lose it at stuff no one else even emits one tiny guffaw about.
Why do I think humor and laughter come so easily to me? I believe some of it may be inherited. I come from a highly silly family, and all of us bust up on the reg. No one in my family finds it hard to get the giggles. In addition to my genetics, we were raised to laugh a lot. I remember watching Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy, and Bugs Bunny with Dad on Saturday mornings. My parents were tuning in to Monty Python and Benny Hill just as I was turning in for some zzzzz’s. Carol Burnett was another favorite who we never missed, even watching it with my grandparents when they came over for supper.
Many moons later, I learned how important humor is while earning both my psychology and social work degrees. I was going to get all scholarly and provide solid research from trusted sources about the topic, and my guides said, “Nah. Go with why it is important to you….what you have learned about it.”
Laughing at yourself is a great way to minimize the dings that we all get from the School of Hard Knocks. Making mistakes (really, learning opportunities) are much easier to gain the good from when we can lighten up, laugh a little, and then ponder whatever boo boo we made. For example, years ago I had a business as an image consultant. I was invited to help shoppers at a boutique having a large sale. I was going to answer the ladies’ questions about style, fit, “Does this make my butt look big?”, that kind of thing. No one was paying much attention to me as I meandered about, introducing myself and my services. I couldn’t figure it out—I mean, a living, breathing shopping expert to solve their wardrobe woes! Then I saw myself in the mirror. Holy shit. My hair looked just like Robert Smith from the Cure; I looked like Robert had toned down the cosmetics, dyed his coif blond, and wiggled into a business suit. HAHAHAHA! Not looking so professional there! I was in a hurry to leave for the event, did the best I could to revive my locks, and galloped out of the apartment. Ooopps…..I am sure there were other reasons no one was taking me up to help, but that hair sure didn’t do anything for the situation either.
Laughter is just absolutely CRITICAL during tough times, even when someone I love dies. My dear friend Claire recently transitioned, and I have been despondent. I also got what I thought was bad news about the health of a loved one at exactly the same time as when Claire left. My counselor commented that it seemed I was having a tough time, and I told her that yes, Claire’s physical absence and the bad news brought daily tears, but I still laughed my ass off every day too. During the pandemic, my husband and I insisted on watching something funny on the boob tube nightly. It transformed my mood, and I slept better.
Here’s another thing: life is meant to be fun. I thoroughly believe we weren’t put here to suffer constantly. Now, granted, some folks have such rough existences that I don’t know how on earth they could ever laugh, such as a woman in an abusive relationship. For those of us whose basic needs for shelter, food, and security are adequately met, it can be easier for us to enjoy a big belly laugh.
This blog isn’t anything mind blowing, and you probably know all of this yourself. Sometimes we need reminders, though, of the wisdom we already have. If you find that life isn’t as joyful these days, consider a session with me to uncover the solutions to regaining your laughter and delight. I use my psychic/intuitive abilities, combined with my counseling and coaching skills, to help you get back in your groove.
Laughing Soul 