Mirth Foundations

That is the saving grace of humor: If you fail no one is laughing at you.
A.Whitney Brown

Men always say the most important thing in a woman is a sense of humor. You know what that means? He’s looking for someone to laugh at his jokes.
Sheila Wentz

I like the laughter that opens the lips and the heart, that shows at the same time pearls and the soul.
Charles E. Jones

April is National Humor Month. And if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, how about acknowledging that April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month, Holy Humor Month, International Twit Award Month,, National Knuckles Down Month, National Pecan Month, Straw Hat Month and last but not least, and maybe my favorite; National Soft Pretzel Month.

Schmeckfest happens during April. Darrell and Jim both have birthdays this month. They always make me giggle, guffaw and occasionally make me squirt coffee out my nose. I also feel the need to mention Tax Day. This may or may not put a smile on your face, depending if you get money back or not.

Humor etiquette is important to know any time of the year. I know this first hand since one time I said’ what-I-thought-was funny” and it almost landed me in court. Another friend recently confessed his “ethnic’ joke” did not bring the laughter he anticipated.

Healing Humor connects us emotionally and spiritually. It can alleviate suffering in us and others. It reframes a potentially “negative” situation. It has the ability to build confidence, decrease tension and quite possibly give you hope.

Hurtful/ Harmful Humor divides and excludes people, shames and blames, laughs only at others, increases tension, and destroy someone’s self worth.

Know your audience. Certain jokes or loud laughs may not be for that particular person or crowd. It may be culturally offensive. Some things that you might say in front of your friends, you would never say in front of your Great Aunt Beulah.

Timing. Your timing of a’ funny’ can be perfect or disastrous. Sensitivity is the key. Depending on the person (audience) and where they are in their cancer chemo cycle (timing), bald jokes might not be appropriate. Maybe later on, or maybe never.

So whether you love puns, jokes or silly songs, enjoy National Humor Month. I’m also hoping you get money back from the IRS. That would put a smile on my face!



Blessing of Gratitude of Laughter, Humor, Mirth and Joy,
Debra Joy Hart RN CLL