"The child in you, like all children, loves to laugh, to be around people who can laugh at themselves and life. Children instinctively know that the more laughter we have in our lives, the better."
American Author/Speaker
1940 -
Do you love to laugh? Or have you forgotten how to laugh? I don't remember laughing much as a child? I probably did, but I can't remember. I know that I was a serious child and have been known to be a serious adult. I know that my grandfather on my mother's side was very strict and serious. He probably considered laughter to be the devil's work. I know that as an adult I don't smile a lot. I think that it is because as a child I spent a lot of time in the sun. I squinted so I was able to see in the brightness. I know that I do laugh as an adult, but I don't always laugh at what others consider to be funny. I know that many of the movies that people think are funny I find stupid. I guess you could say I don't like people acting dumb or stupid. I like serious humor. I don't like humor that puts people down and makes fun of individuals or groups of people. I did not grow up in an environment where we told jokes. I don't know how to tell a joke. I don't like planned or canned laughter.
The best laughter for me arises unexpectedly and spontaneously out of the moment. Something someone says or does will strike me as funny and we will both experience a deep belly laugh. It is not laughter that you can share with others. If you were not present when it happened, it will not be funny to you.
As creative leaders, we must be careful not to take life too seriously. We must learn to laugh and enjoy the moment. In the laughter we are refreshed and we will find hope.
