I love to laugh. Out loud. Giggling is great, too, but I love a big, boisterous laugh. Sometimes I will even snort or cry while laughing. I am quite demonstrative.

I laugh very easily- at corny jokes, silly stories, a half-way decent pun, at things that might be considered inappropriate. I can have quite a morbid sense of humor at times. Not everyone appreciates my dark humor, but it makes me very happy.

When I think of laughter, I think of my childhood. My father had the best sense of humor! He was an amazing storyteller and his comedic timing was perfect. My mother loved to laugh, but she was often late to get the joke. Or would have to have the joke explained to her. So, they made the perfect comedy team- my dad told the jokes and my mom was his “straight man.” My dad taught me that humor and laughter are very valuable coping skills for dealing with life.

Sometimes life is hard.

Bad things happen to good people. Situations don’t always make sense. Things are often out of our control. Relationships are challenging. People aren’t always loveable.

When life is hard, laughter is often the best medicine. It might be hard to find laughter in the midst of pain. But, it is possible.

You just have to pursue it.

Watch a funny show. Get a good joke book and read a little each day. Gather your people and tell funny stories all evening. Give yourself permission to laugh out loud.

Life is better when you’re laughing. Love is easier when you’re laughing. Live loved through laughter.