The Laughs on You

“He who laughs last, laughs best.”

At least I think that’s how the traditional statement goes, but what does that mean really? Wouldn’t the last person to laugh miss out on some laughter time? Wouldn’t laughing last be an indication that a person is a little slow to “get it”? And when they finally do “get it,” they’re usually being laughed at, not joining in on the laughter. No, I think he who laughs last, laughs less.

I’m a fan of laughter, a seeker of laughter, a laughter advocate if you will. I tend to surround myself with people who make me laugh. People say lots of things about laughter. It’s the “best medicine,” the “shortest distance between two people,” it’s “good for the abs.” Okay, the last one is my own, but it’s true. You can actually exercise by lying on the couch and watching a funny movie. I wouldn’t recommend this as your only fitness endeavor.

Aside from the obvious health benefits, laughter provides multiple mental and emotional benefits. Tension and stress can usually be dissipated with a good joke, and laughter almost always brings people together. Of course, tequila is also good for these things, but laughter is free.

To me, laughter is essential to making life a bearable and enjoyable thing. Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it’s sad. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. Sometimes it’s embarrassing and cruel. And sometimes, the only way to not let it overwhelm you is to see the humor in it.

I remember one Christmas several years ago when my family was gathered together in Mississippi. My two brothers were probably already in jail at that point and my uncles and cousins wanted to come for a visit. The problem? None of them had driver’s licenses because of DUIs (another reason to choose laughter over tequila for life’s problems). Various family members were discussing who could go get them, but even some of them had suspended licenses. I was standing in the kitchen listening to all of this when I yelled out, “Okay, if you have a driver’s license, raise your hand!” After that, my sister and I started making jokes about giving out door prizes for having a driver’s license, longest consecutive time without an arrest, etc. We laughed until we couldn’t breathe. That is still (sadly) one of my most memorable holidays.

Laughter has often helped me deal with life’s hardships and over the course of several years, I have learned to not take myself or life too seriously. It wasn’t until I learned to laugh at myself though, that life became so much more enjoyable. Now, instead of worrying that people think I’m an idiot, I embrace my idiot moments and consider them an opportunity to laugh. By Wednesday of this week, I had already had two opportunities to do so.

When I arrived at the YMCA on Monday morning for a workout, I pulled off my fleece pullover to discover a dryer sheet clinging on for dear life. There I was, standing at the elliptical in the Green Hills Y, surrounded by strangers who were probably watching me (because we all know that’s what other women do at the gym – that article is coming), standing there pulling this dryer sheet off my shirt. Years ago I would have been mortified. How embarrassing. I look like I don’t pay any attention to myself. What must they think of me? Those would have been common thoughts. Instead, I chuckled, probably shrugged my shoulders in an “oh well” kind of way and gently laid the dryer sheet on top of my shirt as I climbed on the machine. I thought it was funny.

The next night as I was leaving Jon’s house, I kissed him goodbye, turned to walk out and smacked my forehead on the side of the open door. I ain’t gonna lie- it hurt! I grabbed my head and let out an “owwww”. Once the initial stinging pain subsided, I stood there holding my head, laughing. “I’m such an idiot!” I said. “Yes, you are,” he agreed. We both laughed.

The ability to laugh at yourself is a gift. If you can’t do it, try to learn, you’ll be a happier person for it. Someone is going to laugh at you, don’t be the last- you’ll laugh less.