When was the last time you had a real, carefree laugh? When was the last time you wiped tears from your eyes from laughing so hard?

For me it was probably an hour ago. Whenever I can, I share a funny thought, joke or ironic observation of life. Laughter and humor are such an intricate part of my life. For me, it’s essential as breathing. I think even on my darkest day, humor would find a chink in my armor of despair. Together, humor and laughter are those imaginary children – the “I don’t know who broke that vase plating ball in the house” child – you know the one there are there, but not really visible.

There have been many great humorists through the year – Shakespeare, Will Rodgers, Erma Bombeck, Jack Benny, George Burns. And the list continues because they are needed, explored, developed and share every day.

My family is a constant source of humor – and not in the embarrassing way – oh, wait I take that back – they are usually laughing at something very humiliating. Even in recalling those numerous moments of hilarity, I’m the first you to laugh.

Like the time one of my twenty-five cousins got married and several of the out-of-state cousins were there. On the dance floor (yes I was sober) my son and I were dancing when the group formed two lines and the two people (one from each line) would dance their way to the end of the line showing off their moves. I thought the way we lined up I would get my son as my partner; however, I was paired up with my cousin Sarah’s husband Bryce. He was dancing with his beer in one hand. Bryce decided the best way to get to the end of the line and still hold his beer was to twirl me back and forth. All was good until I was so dizzy, I fell on the floor in the most ungraceful ‘splat’. My glasses flew off in all the excitement. Performing the awarding winning imitation of “Velma from Scooby-Doo”, I had patted floor in search of my glasses. I found them at the feet of my sister and Audrey and my cousin Rita. They helped me up, and gave me the words of support and comfort I shall never forget. Rita said, “Well, back home it just ain’t a party till someone hits the floor!” Note: for those concerned, not a drop of beer was harmed in the creation of the event.

I hold my sides and wipe my eyes in the retelling of this auspicious moment every time we tell the story.

I love quotes that inspire and I thought I would look into who said, ‘Laughter is the best medicine.’ I didn’t find that source (Readers Digest always had a section with that title).  What I did find were many other quotes that included that line. One I found sums it up beautifully.

“I think laughter is the best medicine. If you can’t laugh at yourself, then you can’t laugh at life and the silliness of it all. – David Hasselhoff

Yes, that’s right, the great swim trunk wearing singer and actor – that David Hasselhoff. I recalled a couple of interviews on those “Hollywood news shows” where the Hoff was carefree and animated – and laughed at life.

He has it right.

Too much energy is spent trying to stay angry or restrict your emotions. Worse, it’s negative energy – who needs it? No me, not you.

I enjoy writing clever, funny dialogues. They give a glimpse into the characters and whether they prescribe to the same mantra as the Hoff.

If you know you’re in a dour state, try giving up the negative because positive energy is far better for you mentally and physically.

Which reminds me, did you hear the one about…

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