What I Learned from Laughter
September 10, 2009 by Lillie
What do a paralyzed woman, a hospital stretcher without rails, two nurses’ aides more worried about their jobs than their patient, and a trip across a pot-holed parking lot have in common? They’re the elements of my entry in this month’s groupwrite project at Middle Zone Musings on the topic of What I Learned from Laughter. Robert Hruzek is accepting new posts or links to old posts as long as the post is something funny.
I don’t usually write funny, but a couple of years ago I hosted a group writing project: It’s Funny Now, But Then …
My entry is MZMs WILF this month is my entry in that group writing project from the past.
It’s Funny NOW, But Then … It Was Frightening: MRI Horror Story describes an incident that happened when I was in the hospital immediately following a stroke. Today, I look back on the incident and laugh. At the time it occurred, though, it wasn’t so funny.
photo credit: dionhinchcliffe
laugh is really useful for your health. b/c that is the way to express your happiness.
Kenny,
As the Reader’s Digest says, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
Just yesterday I heard some really bad news. I was really sad, but after going online and seeing a joke that was submitted on a Wiki page, I felt better. It turned out all I needed was a little joke.
Thanks for this post.
VH,
A joke won’t solve all problems or make all sadness go away, but a good laugh can make any situation better.
I found your story very interesting. It can take some time, but I have found when looking back on those kinds of situations, that the humor is usually even more appreciated.
I had a similar kind of experience with my grandmother in Florida, when she got hurt while we were on vacation. At the time, we took it very seriously, but later, once home and sure she was going to be OK, we could see the absurdity of the whole situation.
.-= Steve@Lift Chairs´s last blog ..A Look at Popular Lift Chair Manufacturers =-.
Steve,
Time does give us perspective on situations, doesn’t it? When we’re in the midst of something, it’s much easier to experience the fear, anger, disappointment, whatever negative emotion applies. But with time, we can begin to see the humor.
Geez, I’m interested to know how an MRI can turn out to be funny, but I do appreciate medical stories, especially since I am completely addicted to Grey’s Anatomy.
C,
Just read the linked original story.
Your story is very moving. When you get into such an unpleasant position as you were then, you probably start to look on everyday problems differently.
Andrej,
You’re right. When we face a major problem, we realize how insignificant most of the things we worry about and complain about really are.
Lillie, I remember that post well. When I read it, I realized that it gave me a very good insight into who you are. It was funny, but then again it wasn’t — one of those life events which are troubling when you go through them, but comical later on.
Matt,
When Robert came up with the topic of laughter and gave us the opportunity to use an old post, I knew this was the one.
Yeah, it’s a “I’d rather be laughing than crying” sorta thing, isn’t it? Luckily time and distance has a way of healing, so we’re able to see things with a much different – and less “immediate” – view.
Many of the stories I’ve told weren’t necessarily that funny during their occurrence. But afterwards the absurdity of the situation (as you put it very well) shines through like a beacon. It’s in the sharing of THAT where final healing occurs, y’know?
Hey, a tip o’ the hat to ya for the WILF entry!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..A Sad, Sad Tale =-.
Robert,
Time and distance do give us a different perspective, don’t they? Most of the time, anyway. It’s really sad to see people who spend their lives feeling sorry for themselves or carrying grudges for something that happened long ago. Unfortunately, there are some people who can’t seem to let go.
[...] What I Learned From Laughter, by Lillie Ammann at A Writer’s Words, an Editor’s Eye [...]
Hi Lillie, Thank you for sharing your funny side. Humor really is a matter of timing and perspective, isn’t it? I also believe that for better or worse some of the funniest humor comes out of our darkest moments. Maybe because that’s when we most need comic relief?
.-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..Against Happiness, by Eric G. Wilson, Book Review =-.
Brad,
You make a great point that humor often comes from our darkest moments, and your reasoning that it’s because we need comic relief is sound.
Yes, I do agree that laughter is the best medicine and learning things from our laugh trips is the thing that we all should never forget. Just laugh out loud guys.
Bert,
A hearty laugh out loud is good not only for the person who laughs, but also for everyone who hears it. Laughter just makes you feel good.
It’s absolutely true. Laughter is the best medicine. It can help you forget all of your problems even just for a while. Some people say that you’ll also look younger if you always stay happy.
.-= Daryl´s last blog ..Green Toys – Environmentally and Children Safe Toys! =-.
Daryl,
Laugh lines are much more attractive than frown wrinkles.
Oh, my goodness… I’ve had my share of “It ain’t funny now, but it will be later” moments. One thing I do too often is misread people’s lips and what they actually said. I never remember to write them down (what they said and what I thought they said) as those would be great posts.
I love that you used your experience in your novel. Maybe we writers need to think of our bad moments as fabulous stories for us to write down! So we better hope for some of those bad moments (I wouldn’t wish certain bad moments on anyone — no matter how great a story they’ll make).
Your story also scares me. I can’t be around MRIs because of my cochlear implant (read: magnet in my skull). Now if they’re mobile… I hope I never encounter one of ‘em.
.-= Meryl K Evans´s last blog ..Book Review: Get Known before the Book Deal =-.
Meryl,
I can imagine some of the funny things you misread on people’s lips. My husband is hard of hearing, and we often laugh at what he hears that often is nothing like what was actually said.
This story happened quite a few years ago. I don’t know if mobile MRIs are commonly used now, but you do want to stay away from them!
I checked out the link, and surely found a worthwhile read! There were some really good humor in it that makes it altogether a winning entry in my book. Great work Lillie
.-= Sandra@1800PetMeds Blog´s last blog ..Is “Sugar-Free” Healthy for a Dog? =-.
Thanks, Sandra. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
It’s definitely true that some of life’s funniest moments didn’t sound so funny when you were actually experiencing them.
.-= David@graduate admission essay´s last blog ..COC Graduate School blog reviewed =-.
So true, David. It’s always easier to see the humor in hindsight.
All my life I have heard that laughter is the best medicine and I have experienced the phenomena myself many times.
Laughter has a positive effect on our bodies as well as our minds.
You are so right, Dean. Laughter is good for both our bodies and our minds.
[...] What I Learned from Laughter—This post links to a previous entry, which I enjoyed because I don’t often write [...]
As it is important that “How”, “where” and “when” you laugh, its also very important to know that “what” makes you laugh. I think that “Anything that attacks your sense of humor, can makes you laugh”. Laughing is the expression of your happiness. Be Happy and keep smiling
Regards,
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carsonlara,
We are much more apt to laugh when we are happy.
It just goes to show that you can find the humor in anything. It seems to be neede in tragic situations to make it make sense.
Rick,
As the saying goes, “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.”