Monday, March 8, 2010

Laughter




 
"The human race has one really effective weapon: laughter." Mark Twain

When I was in grade four, my teacher looked at me and said, "you are the saddest looking child I"ve ever seen." I don't ever remember laughing or having fun as a child. I was too scared....too preoccupied trying hard not to make anyone mad. I didn't want them flying into a rage. I didn't want them to hurt me. I never let my guard down. I never smiled and I never laughed.

My best friend Debbie and I have some of the best laughing times ever.... usually when both of us are tired. She says something...I laugh....which makes her laugh again.  Then I try to reply to what she said....I can't. I crack up. That starts the chain reaction with her laughing again.  Her laughing makes me laugh more and before you know it, the two of us are caught up in nonestop gales of laughter that goes on and on and on. I love when that happens. It's awesome...and a great release.

My youngest has that effect too. Sometimes when I feel stressed and need space...she comes and stands right in front of me making silly faces. When I tell her to go away, she makes a weird face and says something that cuts through my bad mood and cracks me up. The more I tell her to go away...the more she makes me laugh with her goofiness.Whatever I was upset or worried about.....ends up disappearing.. Laughing feels good.


I used to be really afraid of my emotions. I never laughed. I never cried. I was frozen inside. All I felt was fear. And I couldn't let my guard down....I couldn't relax....even a little....to let myself  laugh meant trusting life not to hurt me. I didn't believe that.

But I think now....laughing and even crying are gifts He gave us.....when things get too stressful....too overwhelming...laughing is such a great stress reliever.

25 comments:

Andrea said...

Most definitely they are gifts and I, too am learning to enjoy both laughing and crying..finding there places in my heart and life.
Hugs, andrea

RCUBEs said...

When we receive His gift of joy, that's the best remedy for hearts in despair! It always feels good to welcome hard times with joy, knowing that He will make a way! Blessings to you sister and may you have a wonderful week! I love your daughter's attitude to not give up and just make you laugh instead!

Anonymous said...

I love this post....so true, Sarah.
I had to let God teach me how to grieve and now He is teaching me how to laugh. Learning to greive was definitely worth it if this is the reward. I have so much joy sometimes I can't contain it.

Blessings,
Tammy

Paula said...

I love laughing and crying. They are my best little helpers on the way. I can relate to you as child and wanting to let your guard down. My teachrs called my weird and "loner" Just before I started therapy 15 years ago to work through the abuse I got porfessional pictures made - well, I attempted to. The photographer wondered about my guardeed eyes which would not go well with the pictures I wanted to have. We decided to give up.... Love to you.

IK said...

Oh goodness, I can sure relate to this! This dredged up a lot of memories for me. One being a girl in junior high asking me why I never laughed. Oh, Paula I was called a weird loner too but more by the students than my teachers.

On the other hand, I had no problems crying. I was considered a crybaby in school. I'm still trying to accept my tears, I've gotten so many bad reactions to them.

Thank you for sharing this sarah! Though it's brought up a lot of emotion for me, it's nice to know that me being so reserved was something others did too.

Take care! *hugs* <3

Unknown said...

Sarah what a beautiful post...I have a belly laugh and it is my GREATEST asset and I love, love love laughing it is the greatest thing in the world because it is so infectious. The only thing greater for me is to make other people laugh. Thank you for this post...great way to start my Monday and thank you too for being so encouraging and leaving such nice comments...by the way I truly do struggle with feelings of worthiness most of the time. But it is better when I can remember to laugh ;=o)

Mary said...

I so agree!! I have a husband who is quick witted - there are times when we think him too silly - but I would rather he be like he is than the opposite!

Hugs!

S. Susan Deborah said...

What a lovely picture!!

Laugh on dear one.

Laughter always,
Susan

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Laughing and crying are gifts that our Lord gives us to deal with this world. When I'm feeling down all I need to do is play with my grand kids and the blues fade away. I really loved reading this post. God bless, Lloyd

Journal of Healing said...

well said, Sarah.

ang

JBR/God Whispers In The Wind said...

This is such an encouraging post for me. Thank you Sarah. And I am so very glad that you are able to feel the laughter that you so very deserve. I too look forward to that day also!

Blessings and thank you for who you are..... "you."

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

It is! I'm so thankful for my friends who make me laugh!

Sue said...

I think I'd like your daughter. ;)

Lily said...

You are so right! Laughing is the absolute best... and not just surface laughing, deep down hysterical can't breathe laughing. By far the best!

Denise said...

Laughter is great for the soul, continue to laugh sis. I love you.

me as i am said...

i could relate to this one~ thank you for sharing your feelings. i'm so glad you are finally able to experience them.

hugs to you~~

Karen said...

I agree with you...laughter and tears are both theraputic...God made us with emotions and gave us ways to express them all...I love to laugh, but am a crier, too...sometimes I cry with tears of joy and sometimes the tears are of remorse and sorrow...but I always end up in my Saviour's arms....

Jennifer said...

It is a heck of a potent medicine. I agree, and mostly thankful that you laugh! I am so glad you have happiness, so glad.

Wanda's Wings said...

Laughter is good for the soul. I'm glad you can now laugh.

Margie said...

When I laugh my whole world comes so alive and full of joy!
Never stop laughing Sarah.
It's so good for your soul!

Margie :)

Anonymous said...

Laughter is powerful medicine.

Secretia

Syd said...

It's nice to be able to laugh and to also cry. But I much prefer the laughter. It is good to not fear my emotions.

Terri Tiffany said...

It's amazing how far you've come in your life. I love hearing how well-adjusted your children are and because of God how well you are!

Bristi said...

wonderfully said... And the best part is a smile costs nothing except some muscle movements :)

agnitrisha said...

wonderful post. glad to know that you have laughed in rain and are now too doing it.

it takes a lot of courage to do that. keep laughing.