Can you remember the last time you laughed so hard that you had to bend over just to maintain whatever composure you had left?
Can you remember the last time you laughed so hard the muscles in your stomach hurt?
What were you laughing about?
How long ago was that?
Often I have the opportunity to network and meet different people around the world, and the common thread I find is that most of them are delightful people who just take themselves a bit too serious.
The reason I say this is because of how seldom they smile and laugh. An example of this came last week when I had dinner with four gentlemen whom hold officer level positions within the companies they are employed. The dinner started with the usual pleasantries of, how are you, where do you work and what do you do.
…and with that the professional humdrum of safe and lukewarm conversation began…
That is until, I asked my dinner mates a provocative question, “Gentlemen, you all seem to be very accomplished, so what I’d like to know is; what are your vices?”
The table was quiet for a second or two and then there was a bit of nervous laughter, nonetheless, one brave gentleman promptly answered and with that we began sharing our vices, opportunities and embarrassments while laughing at and with each other for the rest of the evening. We had a grand old time!
The best line I heard that night came from the attorney at the table. He had already proclaimed that he was not married during our chat, but there seemed to be something behind it. So I asked him directly, “Are you divorced? Were you married before?”
With that he looked at me with squinted eyes, lifted his wine glass and in a pirates voice shouted, “Aye…I was married before…I was married to the sea…look what she’s done to me!” After which, he put his glass to his lips and finished his wine…
We all laughed about that for about 10 minutes…my belly hurt.
(I know…I know…you had to be there.)
Laughter is magical…it produces a kind of vulnerability five strangers wouldn’t normally be able to share.
The next morning while at breakfast my new attorney friend came to me, grabbed my shoulder, shook my hand and said to me, “Thanks so much for last night, I haven’t laughed that hard in years. I needed that.”
His remark left me happy to have had the opportunity to be a catalyst for laughter, yet slightly empty with empathy because he didn’t experience laughing that way frequently.
He hadn’t laughed like that in years?
How sad…especially when laughter is free.
That moment reminded me of a quote I came across some time ago by Joel Goodman, “Seven days without laughter makes one weak.”
I wonder what a few years of no laughter would do. I suppose it could cripple the soul.
We’ve all heard the old proverb, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
Well I wholeheartedly agree and I also think this medicine should be prescribed daily.
As we mature, grow, get older or whatever you want to call it…it is imperative that we don’t let our grown-up duties in life expand and replace the freedom and healing of childlike laughter.
So this week, I want you to find something that makes you LOL.
If you already have something that makes you laugh, use it…use it often. Then share it with me and the entire community by commenting here or on the Inspirational Perspective Facebook page and/or twitter (@inspired_peeps).
This week let’s stay inspired by spreading joy.
Let’s spread the magic of laughter!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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This is so true Linal. I know during some of my darkest days a few monthsafter my son passed a great friend of mine had me watching a video of my now favorite comedian Rickey Smiley. I laughed so hard and for days it seemed, i felt so much better. My belly ached, my jaws ached and my heart smiled. Laughter is the best medicine. It helps you to relax during any situation and brings warmth and comforting to the soul. Thanks Linal for Inspirational Perspective.
Tara…thank you! Rickey Smiley cracks me up too! I love his prank call CD’s, they’ve had me crying with laughter! Thanks for sharing!