Let’s take a break from politics. Let’s take a break from airline disasters. Let’s take a break from deadly tornados, blizzards and erupting volcanos. Let’s take a break from all the fear-mongering on social media. Let’s talk humor instead.

Years ago in another lifetime when I had a motivational consulting business, I was asked to do a workshop which I then called Healing With Humor. The first time I did this, it was at a luncheon for seniors. I didn’t want to bore them with all the scientific evidence that supports the theory that laughter really is a wonderful medicine for what ails you, whether it be an emotional or a physical hurt.

Instead I got them actively discovering this on their own. Blowing bubbles and playing with silly putty were two of the most popular activities. Puppets, balloons, jacks……….memories of childhood and happy times surfaced. While children laugh approximately 300 times a day, adults merely smile about 20 times a day.

Here in Mexico we have Dia De Los Inocentes on December 28th, equivalent to April Fool’s Day elsewhere. The history here is a rather solemn one as it dates back to when King Herod decreed that all children in Bethlehem under the age of two were to be killed. This would ensure that the predicted Messiah, the future king of Israel, would be killed. So why the jokes and pranks on December 28th? This also dates back to the tricks parents had to use to protect their children and thus deceive Herod’s persecutors.

Now let’s turn to April Fool’s Day, observed on April 1st. This day is celebrated in different ways in different countries. A common belief is that it dates back to ancient Roman festivals or medieval celebrations. The premise is the same as Dia De Los Inocentes……….jokes and harmless pranks.

We’re only halfway through March, but I think we can all use a good dose of humor right about now.

Remember to SMILE. Remember to LAUGH. Do this EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE.

LAUGHING isn’t just for kids. LAUGHING is for EVERYONE!