Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.

Have you ever felt like you were laughing so hard that you were going to "lose your grip" completely (i.e wet your pants, snort, chuckle too loudly?). The release of endorphins is one of the best ways that God has equipped us for happiness and joy. To go into unabashed laughter is one of the most important releases your body can experience. 

There's toots and snorts and the infamous "wetting of the pants". There's nervous laughs and belly aches, giggles, side splits and moments of gasping for air. Some times you laugh so hard it hurts, but it hurts so good. 

Yet, despite all the wondrous joys of laughing, to some it can be a wee bit embarrassing. One risk of laughter is doing things that are unsightly, silly, ridiculous or otherwise thought of as embarrassing to be seen by others to whom we do not know well. Perhaps that is why we feel more comfortable laughing heartily around those who know us well. Laughing is exposing yourself, letting go, losing inhibitions, and sometimes becoming vulnerable.  Especially, for some men, it can be considered a weakness. There are references such as "laughing like a schoolgirl", or "a giggling fool" that make it especially hard to let go. As a side note, did you know that for women the bladder is so near to the muscles you use when laughing that it is easier for us to wet our pants, especially with increasing age and child bearing?

Laughter is a really fun dance of life. It can almost be said that, universally, we love to laugh. Especially when you can laugh at yourself. Laugh at all your own mistakes  and slip-ups, the important meetings you forgot or the countless drinks you spill. I think it can be said that we gain humility by learning to laugh at ourselves. When you can laugh at yourself it feeds your soul handfuls of humility. 

Often times we feel we have a certain decorum. That decorum is often such a terrible waste of positive energy because it restricts our ability, our movements, around laughter. Laughter is good natured and positive and should be expressed freely. Proper decorum would say that it is not cool to snort when laughing. But I, along with the Beatles, say "Let it Be". It is natural and it is good for you. 

So, what does your own peculiar laugh sound like? How familiar are you with the sound of your own laughter? Do you get enjoyment out of your own laugh or is it a little bit embarrassing for you? Just a few questions to ponder on the road to discovery your own unique laugh. 

A Hui Hou

Tara