Are You Laughing? Part II

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 University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.

 

Comments

[David J. Pollay]

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

[Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.]

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.

[David J. Pollay]

Thanks, Cari!

Big hugs to you,

David

[Cari Lewis]

Happy Anniversary to you and Dawn, big guy! Love and hugs to the girls, and God Bless your gorgeous family! - Cari