Humor

 

 

 

The most wasted day of all is that during which we have not laughed.

 

William Thackney

 

 

 

 

Humor and laughing can be a significant part of happiness. Laughing seems to be another of those basic human instincts. Although some have far more of a sense of humor than others, it is there in all of us. We all have certain things that make us laugh. Actually, one great thing about humor is that you can recall something that made you laugh and you can often laugh about it again.

 

There are many humorous things in everyday life if you just look for them. Even though the sense of humor is stronger in some, almost everyone enjoys laughing. If you have a strong sense of humor you generally don't need encouragement to laugh. If you're not one of those people, you surely know someone who is. However, if your humor is more subdued, perhaps you can enhance it.

 

Look for things to laugh about. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, or at something you've done. Often this provides relief of negative pressure you may be feeling. We all do things which are ridiculous. You can't change what you've done, but you may be able to laugh about it. A friend of mine has a good quote above his desk to remind him about to much seriousness:

 

Remember, search for the humor.

 

Mark Twain was a well known humorist and reflected on it with the following thoughts:

 

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing, after all. The minute it crops up all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.

 

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up,

 

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.

 

Twain's thoughts are often true. He emphasizes the positive benefit of humor to often replaces negative feeling.

 

Humor is often a good way to break the ice in a tense situation. Many public speakers like to open their talks with a joke. It often makes them and the audience more relaxed and more receptive to each other.

 

It is noteworthy that humor can be negative. People are often offended by being laughed at. We may think something is funny at the same time someone else does not. We should be sensitive to the effect of humor on those around us.

 

 

Humorist Victor Borge noted:

 

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

 

So, what can you do to enhance your humor?

Look for humor in everyday life, it's there.

 

Laugh at yourself when appropriate.

 

Laugh when an opportunity arises.