Wanted: A Good Laugh

22 Feb

Photo courtesy of Simona Balint

Right now, I’m in need of a good laugh.

Just like the weather, I can feel sunny one minute and cloudy the next. A thought can grab me and twist my mind until I get so stressed that I’m ready to fight, flee, or freeze.

I know the thought is there because I can feel it in my stomach, like a lead weight, like a burning fire. So, I take a minute to breath and be aware of what’s really going on with me. What is the truth of the matter?

The truth? I’m just a woman, sitting in a chair, in front of a computer. Breathing. Living. Thinking stressful thoughts.

Here’s what I know. Right now, in this moment, without leaving my chair, I can choose a more positive thought about my circumstance.  I can choose to feel gratitude for all that I have and all that I am and all that I am becoming. And when I release those damn painful thoughts, I can laugh.

And laughing is going to give me some serious medicine. I read today in Fitness Magazine that, “A case of the giggles causes blood vessels to relax, boosting blood flow to your skin for up to an hour, according to a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.”

Laughter is my best medicine.

6 Responses to “Wanted: A Good Laugh”

  1. Travis Thompson February 23, 2011 at 10:18 am #

    What do you call a fish with no eye?

  2. Travis Thompson February 23, 2011 at 10:19 am #

    “FSH”

  3. Catherine Sherman February 26, 2011 at 11:23 am #

    A preacher walks into a hardware store and asks the clerk whether he can get a discount on some tools. “I’m a poor preacher,” he explained, giving the clerk his best sad look.
    “You’re right about that,” the clerk replied. “I heard you preach last Sunday.”

  4. Jan Marshall February 27, 2011 at 12:01 am #

    I love a good laugh, but my fallback is music. I started last Friday, which was unusually cold and rainy for SoCal, by listening to opening song from the Muse concert I went to last September. I’ve got a great version saved off of Youtube, and I swear when I listen to it, I’m THERE. Maybe it was just coincidence, but I had a fabulous day, even though the rain was falling!

  5. Meagan Dennison March 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm #

    Dad always said laughter was the best medicine. I guess that’s why several of us died of tuberculosis.

  6. Juliet March 31, 2011 at 2:28 pm #

    Janelle, I don’t have a joke for you. I can appreciate a good joke but am not great at telling them. I just wanted to let you know I’m enjoying your blog! Hope you’re well! Juliet (DeMasi) Samroengraja

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