Choosing to laugh is important. You’ve been following me for a while, so now you know. I choose to laugh… even in public!

A happy adventure happened to me a few days ago. While on the train to Toronto to present at a conference, I chose to laugh to relieve a little stress. Linda? Stressed out? Of course I’m stressed! Presenting in front of hundreds of serious people is always a challenge. Will they participate? Will they understand and appreciate? Never a foregone conclusion. So yes. I was a little stressed.

So I was sitting next to a woman who seemed very focused on her work at the computer. Concentrated and preoccupied. The train was almost full. I love taking the train. The rolling of the wheels on the rails soothes me. I love being able to work while I’m “on the road” and watch the scenery go by! I love walking down the aisle when I want to stretch my legs during the journey. In short, I love trains!

A family was sitting a few rows away from mine, and every now and then I could hear the little boy laughing as he watched a screen. He gave me an idea.

He gave me a GOOD idea!

While all the passengers seemed lost in thought, seriously reading the paper, working on the computer, this little boy was laughing heartily while looking at something on his parents’ tablet! Serious adults vs. a little boy laughing his head off!

Ever heard of “cell phone laughter”? That’s exactly what I did at that moment! I put on my headphones and pretended I was having a conversation that made me laugh out loud. Of course, I went on for quite a while. At least 5 minutes… with little pauses – to pretend I was listening to something – and I’d start laughing harder again.

My seatmate then became a little interested in me, who was laughing happily next to her… and when I saw that she was laughing with me (without really looking at me), I laughed even harder! For real!

Once I’d “finished the call”, I took off my headphones. Smiling, eyes shining, cheeks rosy and shoulders relaxed. We chatted a bit and she simply told me she needed to lighten her thoughts… seeing me laugh had made her smile, then laugh back.

The result?

Domino effect! I laugh. She laughs. I feel better. She feels better!

Incidentally, she had taken the photo you see while I was laughing at the scenery. Because it did her good to hear me laugh. To remind herself that hearing someone laugh had made her laugh too… and that it had done her good.

I don’t even remember her name and she’s probably forgotten mine. But I won’t forget that we shared an “intimate” moment of complicity when we both laughed together!

If I were to ask you…

What prevents you from laughing? When you’re in public, do you allow yourself to laugh? Even when you’re alone?

That’s what I did. Laughing while pretending someone was making me laugh – thanks, cell phone! If I told you it was a lot easier than you think, would you believe me? IT IS!

People don’t know that you’re “talking” into thin air and laughing to yourself. That you pretend to have a hilarious conversation! So enjoy it! Do it just to test it out and let me know how it goes. At worst, you’ll feel ridiculous and laugh at yourself for doing something so “crazy”. At best, you’ll feel lighter-hearted and happier!

Worth a try, don’t you think?

Do it… and see!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

p.s. You know that to please is to please!