Thursday, March 29, 2007

Laughter........Gota love it.

Laughter where would we be without it.

Immune Response
Studies show stress decreases the immune system. “Some studies have shown that humor may raise infection-fighting antibodies in the body and boost the levels of immune cells.” Web MD 2006“When we laugh, natural killer cells which destroy tumors and viruses increase, along with Gamma-interferon (a disease-fighting protein), T-cells (important for our immune system) and B-cells (which make disease-fighting antibodies). As well as lowering blood pressure, laughter increases oxygen in the blood, which also encourages healing.”

I am trying a few things these days to reach my goal of a Healthy me.
I am trying to eat well light exercise and staying positive, reducing my stress and keeping well rested and as calm as possible.
I used to love the gym and I would get up at 5am just to go for a run before the kids got up and that was always a great start to my day, then an hour in the gym each afternoon to top it all off. That was a long time ago.
(It was a stroke an operation 30kgs and before the start of treatment ago)

Its been a tough couple of years but the one thing that is a constant in my life is Laughter.
It has gotten me through embarrassing times sad times angry times and also times of despair when laughing is all you have or you would simply cry.
My Laugh has been talked about a lot for many reasons. Some talk about the sound I make (Mmmm) it has to be heard to be understood, enough on that seriously you don't want to hear it.
Some think I laugh at highly inappropriate things Weddings Funerals accidents and the like (I am not alone I am sure) others remember the fact that I have lost all bladder control in places where there is no hiding it.
Others call it a blessing, a gift, an ability to find the smallest of things in any situation to make you smile and lighten the load and that is something I am grateful for.

Laughter is the best Medicine
There are theories that it can help your Heart, that it can heal depression and also boost your immune.
I know I always feel better after watching a comedy. I feel better when I see someone else happy and smiling. Phone calls from friends who make me laugh are just what I need to pick me up when I am feeling low. I know that even when I push myself to pretend I am happy to hide how I feel. I somehow come away feeling better than if I was to wallow alone, even if it was an effort in the beginning. In times of grief I find it easier to think about the funny things of that person rather than dwell on the fact there not around. It isn't easy and its not my initial reaction but I do try to make the effort for me and for those around me.

I remember a couple of times when my nervous laugh has taken over my body and I have had no control at all. My wedding day to my first husband YEP what a wanker, how stupid did I feel.
We were married at the court house with his mum and dad and my uncle as witnesses and when it came to me saying my vows I choked I was so nervous that when he looked at me and smiled that was it I lost it I laughed and shook so hard tears streamed down my face, the more I tried to stop the worse I become, snorting wheezing and shaking like an ever ready bunny on 240 volts. It was extremely inappropriate and I cant recall how I eventually stopped but I don't think he ever forgave me for that. I didn't think it was funny and I didn't want o make a joke of it but when I get nervous that's it I get a weird giggle up snorting kind a thing with a tick. Its not a good look and I have tried on several occasions to gain composure to no avail in most instances.
Another time was even worse it wasn't the last either, when would be the worst possible time to have a problem controlling an out break of laughter?

You guessed it a Funeral. You think I'm kidding don't you, who laughs at a funeral someone who's cold and callous with no real respect???
NO.......... me, little ole me. It was terrible really I can't begin to explain how awful it really was. To give you some History I have always had an affiliation with soldiers, Veterans and wars. So the
Last Post for me has always been my down fall I am very sensitive to this song, War movies, and deaths of servicemen.
My grandfather (my Mums dad) died on the HMAS Sydney Australia's worst maritime disaster in history.
SOooooo picture this, a funeral of over 100 people of my ex-husbands family. It was for Jack Madden a decorated war hero I had never met him but I was there as a representative, as my husband was working away on Thursday Island. I was supposed to be sitting with his Dad and then we were to go home, short and sweet as I have never liked funerals for obvious reasons I also have been to way too many before my time.

Just like anybody else but with a twist.
My nerves(if that's not enough) together with the the fact that I was pregnant and emotional, he was a soldier, he was in his nineties and they had his medals and a flag draped over his coffin.
For Fucks Sake could it get any worse than that.
I was the youngest person there by about 30 years and I felt really out of place.
Then my father in law was asked to leave me and sit at the front to be a pall bearer so I was left alone. I was fine through the eulogy and the speeches the friends and family that mourned someone they loved dearly. I was fine and feeling rather proud of myself. I thought it was over and I had survived. I thought I could tell Glenn that I did it no mishaps no problems, until they played that song...............Of course they did, He was an Aussie veteran they couldn't not play it.
Just when I thought it was safe......................

It started and so did the sweat on my lip my hands were clammy and my teeth are clenched. My leg starts twitching and I am rocking the pew in front of me.
Oh my god NO NO not the Last Post please god help me contain my composure.
I have covered my mouth as my body starts to wriggle and I feel this overwhelming sense of heartbreak and fear the more nervous I got at the thought of making a dickhead out of myself the more it was inevitable, the tears flowed and the snorting began I couldn't leave.
I just had to sit there while everyone stared wondering why this young girl whom they had never met was so emotional and balling her eyes out A hand from behind rests on my shoulder squeezing ever so gently as support for my grief. They thought I was in great despair in actual fact I was in fits of laughter and the tears were through sheer embarrassment. I didn't call this great medicine back then, I called it one of the most embarrassing things that happened to me.
It still haunts me and it still happens, but the good times certainly out weigh those particular incidences and I am so grateful for being able to laugh at it now and its always a quick dig at me also from those who know. I am the joke when it comes to my laughing but its usually contagious and that's always fun.
I am grateful when I make you laugh, whether its with me or at me either way laughing is a good thing.
I love when I laugh with you and I do appreciate each day that has laughter in it it is such a blessing and adds sweetness to my soul.

Thanks for the Laughs Friends as I do need them and appreciate them at the moment. It is laughter that keeps me going each day.


Tomorrow is Friday, wow it seems to have come around so quickly this week.
Probably because I haven't really recovered from last weeks injection I have had a rough week.
Cluster migraines and vomiting and a fair amount of pain. I am off to my monthly specialist appointment next week so we will check my bloods have a chat and see what we can do. It is basically though a time thing and it has side effects so I have to deal with each day symptomatically and cope.

I am up for it though and I am smiling and I am sure there will be a few giggles over the weekend. I hope your weekend and days are full of Laughter and Happiness.

When have you laughed when you really shouldn't and did you cover it or own it???????

I do believe Laughter is the best Medicine.

Peace and Health to All xxxxx

13 Comments:

At 10:21 pm , Blogger Harmony said...

Laughter, yes there is no better medicine. I have had problems with laughing at inappropriate moments usually in Churches. I don't know what it is about Churches but it never fails to make me giggle, usually when there is a total hush. I have had entire pews shaking with the effort of controlling the waves of mirth coming over me.

The other really bad one I used to have but thank goodness have now overcome, is that every time anyone would tell me someone or something (a pet for example) had died, that was IT. My lips would start twitching and well, you know the rest. Very embarrassing.....

Don't ya love it though when you've laughed so much you're exhausted, your cheeks ache, your tummy aches and your eyes are wet from tears.

I'll have a huge helping of laughter thanks and hold the fries.

 
At 5:17 am , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay my sweet friend, I am sending you LOVE and LAUGHTER....and peace, as always. I will be thinking of you as always.

Love you,
J
xoxoxoxo

 
At 5:38 am , Blogger Walker said...

I agree, laughter in most cases is what the doctor orders.
Bringing your spirits up and giving life to youraelf puts up a good defense agaist most of what keeps us down.
Great post

 
At 1:51 pm , Blogger Steve said...

I still remember this little old lady 80 something,looking down the hole at her husbands coffin throwing in a rose .

Then i came up behind her, she looked at me with tears in her eyes, So my comforting words to her were...

"Ain't worth you going home is it?"

 
At 3:28 pm , Blogger JP (mom) said...

I've had some choice times when I've been infused with laughter at the most inappropriate times (including some business meetings and lectures!) But you know what, in this serious world, we need a fuckin' lot more of that! Hell yeah! (Hope the kids aren't reading this, for fucks sake!) Love ya! Deb

 
At 4:34 pm , Anonymous Anonymous said...

What fun to read!!! Well...I could empathize with you about laughing at the funeral or your wedding..but it was sure enjoyable to read.

Sorry to hear you week was hard..My dad use to have cluster migraines...those are hell....

I hope your weekend coming up is great and you have much laughter...

Really enjoyed your sharing all this Shaz...parts of it made me laugh along with you.

dd/s

 
At 4:38 pm , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The funny thing about sharons laugh is , even if you dont hear the joke you will still laugh when you hear her laugh....hehe....although it has been know to make small children cry...love you babe .
thats for the poster.

 
At 11:15 pm , Blogger Claire said...

Your posts always make me smile hon...and that's as good for you as laughter, I think. Thanks sweetie!

Cxx

 
At 3:17 am , Blogger Nan said...

My boyfriends sense of humour (that kept me laughing) was what got me through my both boughts with cancer. I truly believe it does heal.

 
At 12:03 pm , Blogger awareness said...

You are SOOOOOO right!! I tend to get the giggles in all the wrong places. The latest spot was in the foyer of my daughter's school. My 9 year old son and I were waiting to pick her and a bunch of other teenies up to take them to a volleyball game. My son, who normally remains quite contained and perfectly presentable decided to do this boogie dance number to embarrass his sister. Which of course he did, but also caught the attention of a bunch of teachers and the Vice Principal who happened to come by at the same time.

Max is gyrating (he is a good little dancer....the kid has rhythm) and I'm laughing my face off when I guess I should've been reining him in by the looks of the teachers.

ah, fuck em if they can't laugh!!

 
At 7:52 pm , Blogger claireylove said...

Ha! Yes I am an 'inappropriate laugher' too ~ lucky it is wholly appropriate to laugh at this post :-)

(((hugs))) to you x x x x

 
At 9:05 pm , Blogger Vanessa said...

hi honey. hope those giggles are getting you through the weekend.
love ya,
Vx

 
At 8:08 am , Blogger Darlene said...

YOU ROCK SHAZ!!!!

YOU are an inspiration to me and I try to find humor in the strangest things....like buying my first thong, thinking they looked so darn small, so I bought a large and now, at the end of the day, they are falling off!!!!!!!!!!

hee hee

love you so so much,
prayers oxxo darlene

 

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