Laughter is good for the soul, so remember to laugh
It’s hard to believe what’s going on in the world in 2020. I remember celebrating the new year with friends at the “New Beginnings” party that I hosted in my home on New Year’s Eve. My guests and I shared a common hope that was predicated on the belief that 2020 would be a terrific year. We shared well-crafted plans along with bursts of laughter that fell between our sentences. We had great expectations--at least until Coronavirus pervaded our lives in March.
When the Coronavirus pandemic began taking lives, the bad news spread rapidly throughout the world. Many of us were like bystanders watching a train wreck while putting forth our best effort to look away. I recall being physically ill after giving in to the fear that paralyzed me. My emotions clocked in and out on shifts every day for a long time. I was on the verge of a breakdown; and then I remembered to pray for inner peace.
Through prayer, I was reminded about the benefits of laughter. Many of us have heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.” Well, that happens to be true according to numerous mental health professionals. Laughter not only helps to relieve obvious ailments like stress, but also serves as an immune system booster that increases infection-fighting antibodies according to HelpGuide.org. I think I heard somewhere that a strong immune system is needed to combat Coronavirus and could possibly be the panacea for the other sadness and hurt that is surfacing in America.
My heart breaks when I hear a report about a life that was shortened because of a simple misunderstanding or misconception about someone’s culture. Protesters are exercising their right, but so much violence is occurring amid peaceful gatherings. When things escalated between protesters and looters during one event, people worked together to push out the negativity with music and laughter. Their laughter opened the door for discussion and broke down the barrier that once divided people who looked differently. When we discover that we are more alike than we think, we bond. We share laughs. We grow. Through growth we realize that what really matters is life and all life is precious to God.
I encourage you to find your happy place during this storm that we’re standing in unprotected and without guidance in some cases. Find a way to laugh in the rain.
Dr. Seuss said, “Adults are just outdated children.” Perhaps we need to reflect on childhood and remember the times we would laugh so hard that tears flooded our faces. Do whatever it takes to strengthen your soul through laughter--it is good. So, remember to laugh.