I’m not sure when it happened but I adopted a coping skill that is best described by a quote from a famous American humorist and writer.
“If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it “– Erma Bombeck
I’m not sure why I started laughing, or creating a joke in stressful situations. I didn’t decide I was going to do it. I didn’t read about it as a way to alleviate tension or anxiety. There was no epiphany where I suddenly saw humor as a temporary solution to contention. It just happened. Like jumping at a sudden loud sound, this was reflexive. When a friend pointed out to me that I had this ability to defuse a situation with humor, it surprised me.
I just don’t deal with anger very well, mine or others’. Tears I can handle. But anger unmoors me and sets me adrift. I want to run from the room if someone is angry or mean or bitter. I don’t like the taste or texture of anger.
I’m not much of a comedian. I might not be able to neutralize a bad scene for others, but I can alleviate my own internal reaction to what’s going on around me.
Sure, laughter isn’t going to bring us world peace, smiling might not cure hunger, being happy may not rid the earth of heartache. But, I’ve found that looking on the shinier side of things, having a hopeful point of view is easier than the other options and makes the tough stuff more bearable.
Here are some great quotes on humor, laughter and smiling that say more than I ever could on the subject. That’s why they’re quotable. Enjoy.
Dealing with Life’s Difficulties
There is a proverb that says, “ A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.” -Yiddish Proverb
“The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.” -William Shakespeare, Othello
“Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it. “ -Unknown
Humor can improve your life in many ways:
“A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.” -Charles Gordy
“Laughter is inner jogging.”- unknown
”Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” -Victor Hugo
It can sometimes forge or improve relationships
Danish American comedian Victor Borge, in 1990 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“A smile is a curve that can set everything straight.” – Phyllis Diller
”Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. “-Victor Borge
“Everyone smiles in the same language.” – unknown
I hope you find a reason to smile, or laugh today. If you have read a great article, blog, joke or story, or have seen a video or photo that makes you laugh, please share!
Related articles
- What Laughter Can Do For You? (powerinfographics.wordpress.com)
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor (ganjavibes.wordpress.com)
- Laughter on a Train (objectsofdelight.wordpress.com)
- A Journey Toward Thankfulness (Day 27) (agenuineglimpse.com)
Kami's Beautiful Morning 