Laughter is the Best Medicine

When was the last time you laughed? Think about that for a moment. If you cannot remember when that was, perhaps it is time for you to begin laughing again.

When someone we love dies, it may be difficult for us to laugh. Our hearts may not be capable of finding joy in things that we see or experience. We may be engulfed in a sea of sorrow, pain, or even regret. We may not feel like laughing, or we may be keeping to ourselves rather than socializing. These behaviors are normal and for a time acceptable. After a while, however, the time will come when these behaviors are no longer healthy.

Laughter is a gift from God. “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Job 8:21 As we know, other than Christ, Job suffered more than a person should be called upon to withstand, yet within his anguish, he still carried love, patience, and thanksgiving in his heart. If you have lost your ability or desire to love, practice patience, or offer thanksgiving, perhaps it is time to try welcoming a bit of laughter back into your world.

Grief causes enormous levels of tension, stress, and pain in our bodies. If unchecked, it can even cause death. Laughter releases endorphins, lowers stress levels, and soothes anxiety. Laughter is the anti-venom for grief.

Initially, laughter might bring on feelings of discomfort or guilt; that is to be expected. You are grieving and laughter is not common during grief. Eventually, after a laugh or two, you will understand the value of allowing laughter back into your life. You might only be able to muster up a small chuckle at first; no need to worry. Eventually, your laughter will return and you will experience the benefits of joy, enduring love, and freedom from unyielding pain and sorrow.

Remember those days when laughter came freely, and joy filled your heart? Those days are just around the corner. They will return in due time. When that day comes, the stress, pain, and anxiety of grief will have stepped aside.

My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, and co-founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. It is my life’s work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on.

For additional encouragement, read other articles or watch video “Grief Briefs,” please go to my website at www.MourningCoffee.com.

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