A laughing matter
World Laughter Day was earlier this week — as if we need a designated day to remind us to laugh. But, as it turns out, sometimes we do.
Most of us take laughter for granted. We enjoy it in the moment, appreciate the way it makes us feel, and maybe even seek it out when we know — consciously or not — that we need a lift.
You’ve likely seen the research: laughter releases endorphins, strengthens the immune system, builds trust and connection. Yada yada yada. At least, that’s how it can start to sound after a while. But if we truly internalized all that science, we’d be using laughter more intentionally — as a tool to improve our lives.
So why am I going on about laughter?
Well, it turns out laughter is one of my core values.
Weird, right? I thought so too. How can laughter be a value?
But then I was asked a simple, powerful question: “If we took laughter away, would you still be you?”
And that answer was a hard no.
I’ve always loved to laugh and to make others laugh. It’s something people associate with me: I’m the one who lightens the mood, who brings humor to the heaviness, who embraces the silly. That’s not an act — it’s part of who I am.
So yes — laughter is a value for me. And it’s of value to me and all of us.
I truly believe laughter can be transformative. Not just because it’s good for your health — though it is — but because it breaks resistance.
Laughter disarms. It softens walls. It opens doors. It creates space. In tough conversations, strained relationships, or hard moments with ourselves, laughter shifts the energy. As neurohumorist Karyn Buxman says: “If they’re laughing, they’re listening.” And when people are listening — really listening — the potential for change becomes limitless.
I’ve seen it in my own life. I’ve seen it with my clients. But don’t take my word for it.
Today, I invite you to try it.
Bring a little laughter into a tough moment — whether it’s with someone else or just with yourself — and notice what changes. You might just discover it’s the one tool worth keeping out of the toolbox and always within reach.
#wellness #values #laughter #puttinglaughtertowork
