Laughter can be defined as “an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive of laughter.”  If you're feeling a bit of anxiety these days, this could be just what the doctor ordered. 

 

Once upon a time, I worked for a major player in the semiconductor industry as a Credit Representative.  We had a small crew of four led by a grouchy, ready-to-retire manager.  Steady at the helm, she ran a tight ship where frivolity was usually frowned upon.   Our department was strictly up to business—all day, every day.  So, I set out to stir things up a bit.  Appropriately, I waited for April Fool's Day to execute my plan.  I came into the office that morning and in my most official voice, I pretended to read an email announcing that due to positive month end numbers, our department could elect to have a paid day off or take a vacation credit.   I further explained that headquarters encountered a computer glitch the day before so that's why we weren't notified sooner.  My ploy was successful.  My coworkers timidly began to gather their belongings and log off their computers.  Not surprisingly, the grumpy manager emerged from her cubicle with a raised an eyebrow and said, “I didn't get the memo.  Are you absolutely sure of this?”  That's when I blurted out the magic phrase, “APRIL FOOL'S!”  Recounting the details of my act made the workday more tolerable with the sounds of laughter rippling through our otherwise banal department.

 

I like to read.  But, even if you're not an avid reader, check out “HEADLINES” by Jay Leno; laughter comes with the flip of every page.  The comedy channel is programmed for laughter; no special occasion necessary.  Watch a funny movie, laugh 'til your sides ache and see how the distress disappears.  (Some of my classic favorites include any film by Mel Brooks or more recent flicks by Ben Stiller; simply hilarious!)  Laughter can make its way to your stomach, too.  For instance, we've been ordering takeout from our favorite Chinese restaurant for years.  We always kid about the final price, “So, the total comes to one hundred twenty five dollars and thirty seven cents, right?”  But, nowadays cost increases make that humorous quip more realistic than ridiculous. We love the food.  We need to eat.  We adjust.   (Inject laughter here.)   “Remember, never take life seriously.  Nobody gets out alive anyway.”