Friday Morning Message

Laughter: better than medicine.

Good Friday Morning everyone!

Last weekend I was privileged to spend time with a wonderful woman who had just celebrated her 95^th birthday. Several times I heard her give a good old-fashioned belly laugh. It was such a wonderful sound. Despite her aches and pains, despite the fact that she no longer drives herself around (as she was doing a few years ago), here is a woman who loves her life, and is still looking forward to things she wants to do.

When last did you let out a good belly busting laugh? We are quick to add the letters to our facebook entries: LOL; BUABDL; ROFL to name a few – but have the letters replaced the actual action? Do not resist – laughter is still the best medicine.

Studies show that the healthful effects of laughter on the body are many. Did you know that laughter:

• Lowers your blood pressure
• Decreases your cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
• Increases the number of T-cells (fight infection)
• Improves your immune system
• Results in the production of serotonin and endorphins (produces a natural high)
• Massages your internal organs
• Gives you a mini workout
• Makes you feel better, improves your mood
• Releases tension
• Lowers and stabilizes your blood sugar

So what is stopping you from just letting go and laughing? Yes there are tragedies, but so often we choose our attitude. We take ourselves and our worries way too seriously. Look at us on the road when we get cut off; look at how quickly we take offense on facebook; look at how easily some people can push our buttons. If you really want to confuse someone who is making you angry, laugh at them! It changes everything, plus it makes them think you’re crazy and they leave you alone!

So today, watch your attitude and find an excuse to actually LOL. There are plenty of joke sites on the internet if you want to find a laugh. Open up that email that tells that corny joke, and laugh! It is good for you!

I hope we all to live to be at least 95, with our sense of humor intact. I would have included a photo of the lady in question, but I didn’t get her permission. Instead, try and picture one glamorous lady, standing tall on Easter Sunday morning, wearing sexy (not sensible) shoes to go to church. She had just finished telling us her stories of delivering babies in unseemly corners of Jamaica. And realizing that she had never met anyone she didn’t like. Listen to your elders carefully; they have many lessons to teach us.

Have a great weekend Facebook family, and remember to laugh loud and often!