The Power of Laughter
Shocker, I know, but I tend to be on the serious side:
My face’s default expression is intense, at times with a furrowed brow if I’m thinking on something too hard.
Parts of my body are often tense and tight in their resoluteness.
I can’t help it; I was born this way and that’s one of the reasons why my occupational path has taken me into more technical industries. Early in my career, I was intentional about being perceived as a reliable, competent expert. I didn’t want to be referred to as “the dumb blonde or flighty.”
Now as a more emerged professional, I sometimes envy folks who have a more joie de vivre, or seemingly carefree, attitude. That’s not me; I’m pleasant, friendly and likeable, but I’m no comedienne.
Even though I don’t usually instigate it, I do understand and appreciate the power of laughter. It’s a connection point; a good belly laugh can be an endorphin rush from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes.
I also distinguish people by their laughter. For instance, I once worked with a guy who has an infectious laugh that carried throughout our offices as a beacon inviting you to join him. Whether he realizes it or not, it instantly defuses any defenses people may have about him as a leader and also endears him to others. To this day, I still call him to hear it!
Additionally, I have witnessed the career ascent of a corporate real estate professional friend who is magnificent in her infusion of self-deprecating stories to engage you in her believability and trust. I love being around her as she ironically recounts the humor in what would be typically dry business reports.
There are so many types of laughter — from the mild chuckle to the deep, eye-watering, hysterical, it’s important to remember to infuse humor, especially during a time when everything in the outside world may be dark and ominous.
Have you paid attention to what tickles your funny bone? Do you prefer slapstick to satirical wit? Can you make fun of, and/or laugh, at yourself?
In full transparency, I am now able to laugh at myself, but that took some time and was a slow build. I remember what I refer to as a “Lucille Ball” moment back in 2007 or so when I discovered that I had been walking around that morning with a broken zipper in the back of my skirt. There I was, in full glory, mooning many business professionals that morning at an event.
Fortunately, a young man (who I didn’t know and thankfully have never seen again) tapped me on the shoulder to tell me about it. At the time I was mortified, but I now laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation and what must have run through that poor young man’s mind as he found the courage to speak up!
My advice today is to seek at least one thing that will transcend your smile to a chuckle, then to a full laugh. Lately, here are some of the things that I’ve been doing to break up the weightiness of these times:
Not consuming the news! – Need I say more?
Taking Yale University’s Happiness Course – Through their psychology department, they’re offering it free for now. https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being/home/welcome
Lots of puppy love – We rescued a new, four-legged, furry kid last year; I love her kisses and enjoy watching her take in this world’s new discoveries.
Calling others to laugh with them – I’ve found that if I can help/infuse positivity in others that it helps me with my spirits.
What’s working for you these days? I’m always open to learning from you, so please contact me at dlandry@authentizity.com.
