From “Julie’s Gems”: July 2003

I’ve covered a variety of emotions since I first started writing this column a year and a half ago; from love to bad habits, as well as pet peeves and loss. Thinking back, I realized I have forgotten a very important emotion: humor.
I remember a song I used to enjoy as a kid that went something like, “Everybody’s got a different funny bone. Everyone’s got their own sense of humor.” It basically was saying that we don’t all find the same things funny. For instance, I find sarcastic, dry wit and goofy or silly humor hysterical. But I don’t see the appeal of slap stick or gross out humor. If you can find something to make you laugh, then yeah for you! Just as long as it’s not at the expense of someone else or something that depletes brain cells, then giggle away!
Levity is especially important in times of trial. When my grandma was in the hospital with lung cancer, everyone marveled at her sense of humor. I doubt very much she found anything funny about her situation, but she found a way to smile and put others at ease. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Ecclesiastes says there is a “time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” So try to find time to laugh, even in times of heart break. You won’t change what has or will happen, but for a few moments, at least, you will have given your heart wings to fly away from the pain. Eventually you’ll have come back to earth to face real life, so cherish the grin on your face every time you find it there, and don’t feel guilty for allowing yourself to laugh. In the long run, it may save your sanity.