Here’s another quick post in
our series on the importance of laughter in our lives. These
short posts are in honor of my wife, Dawn, who makes me laugh every day. Our ten year wedding anniversary was on
Friday. Here’s
part one.
part two
My father, known by most as
“Big Lou,” gives it away every time. My
mom says, “You can see Lou’s thinking about something funny when his lips start
to quiver and his eyes light up. And
when you catch him with that expression, he just starts laughing. He’s always looking for the joy in life.” After 45 years of marriage, Mom and Dad laugh
more than ever. In fact, their good
humor has helped them face the challenges that come with aging.
Director of the Harvard
Study of Adult Development and author of Aging
Well, George Vaillant, found that the key to successful aging is the
ability to cope with life’s difficulties.
In particular, he found that employing mature defenses like the use of
humor is a potent coping strategy.
Vaillant writes, “Humor allows us to look directly at what is
painful. Humor permits the expression of
emotion without individual discomfort and without unpleasant effects upon
others.”
Humor is good for aging.
This week:
Take a moment to think about
the people who make you laugh. Then,
when you speak with them next, let them know how much you appreciate them.
Oh, and you might even try
to make them laugh.
As always, let me know how
you’re doing when you have time.
Best to you,
David
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David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™. He
is a syndicated columnist with the North Star
Writers Group,
creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally
sought after speaker. David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck™, is due out next year. You can find out about the No Garbage Trucks!
mission at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.
David holds a master’s degree of applied positive psychology
(M.A.P.P.) from the
Hi Flora,
What a great post. And what a great lady! I can sure see how she brings laughter and joy to your life...and you to hers.
All the best,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | October 15, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Hi David,
One person who always makes me laugh is my grandchildren's paternal great grandmother. She has such a bright outlook on life that it's always a joy to talk to her. She's quick too.
She recently sent me an invitation to her 75th birthday. She put her full name complete with first name, middle name, maiden name, former married name and current married name as the honoree. When I called to RSVP I asked "May I speak to . . ." and read off that whole name.
Her response was "That depends. Do you know the password?"
I burst out laughing because with all that long name I had already "passed a lot of words."
She always has an unexpected comeback, and frankly keeps me posted on who is doing what in my grandkids lives. She takes excellent care of Great Grandpa too, and when they step out headed for church they are not only dressed to the nines but color coordinated.
They spend Thanksgiving at their Palm Springs condo and summer vacation at their condo in Virginia, her home state.
Laughter indeed contributes to happiness and is the key to lasting and rewarding relationships.
Posted by: Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. | October 14, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Thanks, Cari!
Big hugs to you,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | October 13, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Happy Anniversary to you and Dawn, big guy! Love and hugs to the girls, and God Bless your gorgeous family! - Cari
Posted by: Cari Lewis | October 12, 2009 at 03:18 PM