I was looking through my “Joke Folder” in my computer. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like years ago, when e mail was more of a novelty than an everyday nuisance, people utilized this tech tool to send jokes.
Nowadays I receive tons of E-mails bearing “enticing” subject lines:
HelloFresh – new recipes are springing up
Poshmark Info – save big on your wardrobe TODAY
Nutribullet – see the new nutribullet Baby Steam + Blend
Netflix – Iris, we just added a movie you might like…
All are enticing me to make, buy, try, and see.
None are enticing me to laugh.
I’m in a jokerless funk. No witticisms. Clever ditties. Catchy comics DO arrive in my inbox, but unfortunately, they are riddled with the absurdity of today’s of political climate. Those are rampant. Hopefully, they are providing a safe outlet for bottled-up rage and aggressive hostility –a healthy escape from real time toxicity. But for me – all those partisan jests and wise-cracks are simply increasing my “consternation fatigue.”
Research proves laughter can provide many physiological and beneficial impacts on our bodies, our ability to fight off disease and to reduce stress through the increased production of the hormone cortisol.
People like to laugh and people like to hear other people laugh. Making someone laugh is empowering, sparks connection and enhances camaraderie. Who knows? It may even decrease our use of drinkable therapy and pill popping by diminishing some of our surface depression and promoting resilience.
Victor Borge once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” I believe that when people share a laugh, connection and rapport are enhanced and the social, economic and cultural gaps are decreased. Barriers are broken down. People relax. New ideas and energy pour forth. The group solidifies.
Years ago, to commemorate her 69th birthday, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of AARP.
One of the musical numbers she performed was based on “My Favorite Things” from the legendary movie “Sound Of Music.”
Here are the lyrics she recited:
“Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don’t feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin’,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’,
And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I’ve had,
And then I don’t feel so bad.”
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.
Keep Preserving Your bloom and PLEASE send me some jokes,
Iris Ruth Pastor
PS: Julie Andrews is now 87 years old. I’m guessing humor works.
