I Love Those People Who Can Make Me Laugh During Those Moments

I Love Those People Who Can Make Me Laugh During Those Moments Graphic © InspirationPowerBoost.com

“I love people who can make me laugh when I don’t even want to smile.”

The Power of Laughter

This quote speaks to the incredible power of laughter and its ability to uplift us even in our lowest moments. The people who can make us laugh amidst our struggles are a rare and valuable presence in our lives. Their ability to bring joy and lightness in times of darkness is a true gift, one that can change our entire outlook on a challenging day.

Cherishing Joyful Connections

The ability to laugh, especially when it seems the hardest, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Those who bring laughter into our lives remind us of the beauty and joy that can be found in the simplest things. They help us see the brighter side of life, encouraging us to appreciate the present moment and the people in it.

Laughter as a Healing Force

Laughter is not just a fleeting moment of happiness; it’s a powerful healing force. It can alleviate stress, improve our mood, and even strengthen our immune system. The people who make us laugh offer more than just temporary amusement; they bring a form of emotional and physical healing that is both profound and lasting.

Historical Example I: Anton Chekhov

Chekhov was known for his wit and sense of humor, and he often used his writing to explore the complexities of human nature and the absurdities of life.

One anecdote that illustrates his ability to make people laugh even when they didn’t want to smile is the following:

In the late 1800s, Chekhov was visiting his friend, the actor and director, Konstantin Stanislavski, who was rehearsing for a production of Chekhov’s play, “The Seagull.” Stanislavski was feeling particularly stressed and overwhelmed by the demands of the play, and he was struggling to find the humor in the script.

Chekhov, sensing his friend’s frustration, decided to take matters into his own hands. He began to improvise a series of ridiculous scenarios and characters, using his quick wit and sharp observations to poke fun at the absurdities of the theater world.

Stanislavski was initially resistant to Chekhov’s antics, but he soon found himself unable to contain his laughter. Chekhov’s jokes and impressions were so clever and unexpected that they caught Stanislavski off guard and made him laugh despite himself.

The two men spent the rest of the evening laughing and joking together, and by the end of the night, Stanislavski was feeling much more relaxed and energized. He later credited Chekhov with helping him to find the humor in the play and to approach it with a fresh perspective.

This anecdote illustrates Chekhov’s ability to make people laugh even when they didn’t want to smile, and it highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of life’s challenges.

Historical Example II: Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was known for his storytelling and humor. Even during the darkest days of the Civil War, Lincoln would often tell stories or jokes to lighten the mood. His humor was a way to cope with the immense stress and tragedy of the war, and it also helped to humanize him to his colleagues and the American public.

One famous story is that during a cabinet meeting, Lincoln started by reading aloud from a book of humor. His cabinet members were puzzled and asked him why he was doing this. Lincoln replied, “Gentlemen, why don’t you laugh? With the fearful strain that is upon me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die, and you need this medicine as much as I do.”

Historical Example III: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

Lucille Ball was the beloved comedic actress who starred in the pioneering sitcom I Love Lucy in the 1950s with her husband Desi Arnaz. Though the couple ultimately divorced, they shared a natural humor that connected them.

When they were newly dating, Ball was frequently anxious and self-conscious about her career. During a glamorous dinner out when she felt insecure, Arnaz made a silly face by stuffing bread in his mouth and puffing out his cheeks. Ball burst into laughter at the goofy gesture despite feeling down.

Later in their marriage, Ball suffered several miscarriages that deeply grieved her. Arnaz would tell funny stories and jokes to try and cheer her up even at painful moments when she was resistant to smiling.

Ball remarked that Arnaz “could always make me laugh when I was mad or depressed.” His ability to lighten her mood with humor even when she resisted helped sustain their bond through ups and downs.

Historical Example IV: Colonel Babcock

During the American Civil War, Union General Ulysses S. Grant was known for his stoic demeanor and his ability to stay focused on his goals, even in the face of adversity. However, one day, Grant’s staff discovered that he had a secret weapon: a sense of humor.

One of Grant’s aides, a man named Colonel Babcock, had a habit of telling jokes and making witty remarks, even in the most tense situations. One day, while Grant was planning a major attack, Babcock came into his tent and started telling a series of silly jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

At first, Grant was not amused. He was too focused on the task at hand to be bothered with trivialities. But Babcock persisted, telling one joke after another, each one more ridiculous than the last. Gradually, Grant’s stern expression began to soften, and he found himself laughing despite his best efforts to maintain his composure.

From that day on, Babcock became known as Grant’s “jester,” and his jokes and antics became a regular feature of the general’s staff meetings. Even in the darkest moments of the war, Babcock’s humor helped to lighten the mood and keep Grant’s spirits up.

Historical Example V: Benjamin Franklin

Franklin, renowned as a polymath, was also one of America’s first humorists. His penchant for humor and satire was evident early in his career.

One of the most notable instances of Franklin’s humor was when, at the age of 16, he adopted the pseudonym Silence Dogood, a fictitious widow. He wrote a series of letters under this persona and submitted them to his brother’s newspaper, The New-England Courant. The letters, filled with satirical observations on society, politics, and religion, were a testament to Franklin’s burgeoning talent for wit and satire. The letters resonated with the community to such an extent that some men even sent marriage proposals to the fictional Silence Dogood. When Franklin eventually revealed himself as the author, it was a moment of humor and triumph over his brother’s initial rejection of his writing ambitions​​​​.

Franklin’s humor, as noted in his Autobiography, was marked by understatement and irony. He often used himself as the target of his jokes, displaying a self-deprecating wit that endeared him to his readers. His humor was not just for amusement; it often carried deeper insights and critiques of societal norms and human behavior. For instance, he humorously highlighted the absurdities of polite speech and societal expectations, using humor as a tool for social commentary.

Daily Affirmation

“Today, I am grateful for the people who bring laughter into my life. Their presence reminds me of the joy and lightness that exists even in tough times.”

Related Inspirational Quotes

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

“The human race has only one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” – Mark Twain

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come” – William Shakespeare