I Admire People Who Genuinely Laugh

Summary

The author reflects on the joy of laughter, particularly in the face of personal loss, and encourages embracing humor as a coping mechanism.

Abstract

The author admires individuals who can genuinely laugh, especially at simple jokes, and acknowledges the happiness it brings. Despite having a sharp wit and the ability to deliver humorous content, the author struggles with overthinking and worry, which can lead to dark places. The upcoming holiday season, the first without the author's mother, is anticipated with concern for overwhelming sadness. However, the author recalls humorous moments even during the mother's illness, advocating for the importance of remembering joyful times with loved ones. The article emphasizes that laughter can be a powerful tool for those who have experienced loss and are navigating life's challenges, suggesting that shared laughter is a vital way to get through difficult times.

Opinions

The author values the ability to laugh genuinely and easily, as seen in their friend who laughs at TikTok videos.
There is an appreciation for the simple, unscripted humor that can bring joy in everyday life.
The author believes that one should never apologize for what makes them happy, including laughing easily.
Reflecting on personal loss, the author suggests that humor and laughter can coexist with grief and sadness.
The author emphasizes the importance of cherishing happy moments with loved ones, even amidst difficult times.
There is a recognition that laughter and shared joy are crucial for mental well-being and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
The author encourages readers to engage with others in a way that promotes laughter and happiness, such as sharing stories or watching funny videos together.

I wish I could be more like them

I know someone who laughs at the most simple jokes. And watching him laugh makes my heart happy.

Friends say I’m funny, and I know that I can deliver some funny jokes that no one has ever heard. I have an acerbic tongue, and with the right timing, what comes out of my mouth can be funny, well, most of the time.

My friend can go for hours watching videos on TikTok, those 30-second videos, where the same person goes out in different characters, no script but random dialogue, and not well put together a slice of life.

When I see him laugh at all these videos, my friend will come to me apologetically that he laughs easily, and I would always tell him, you should never apologize for whatever makes you happy.

I try very hard to be happy because if I don’t, I can quickly go down the rabbit hole of being in a dark place.

I think a lot, I worry a lot, and while I know none of what I think or worry about only takes the life force out of me, I still engage with them. So maybe I’m built that way to think and worry.

With the year almost at a close, and it will be a Christmas without mom, I worry about how sadness would overrun me, with deep thoughts of despair.

I have to remind myself that even when mom was dying, there were moments that were happening that to me were funny, not of the fact that she was dying, but the moments where she would bounce back whenever my dad would arrive and make us believe that she would go on and survive what we all know was inevitable her death.

And while I think of her every day, I only think of the sad parts, the not-so-good memories when I felt I failed her, forgetting about the times that I made her happy because I know there were times when she was happy be with me.

We forget to laugh

I have to share this with you because I know I am not alone, not for the many who experienced loss, who are still figuring out their lives as we navigate towards a world that has survived a pandemic.

I will not tell you that it is easy, and be like my friend and binge-watch TikTok videos to make yourself laugh.

All I can tell you is when you remember the people you miss in your lives and remember the moments when you were happy to be with them.

All I can tell you is when you hear someone laughing to take a moment and check out why they are laughing.

All I can tell you is when you are with someone, take the time to make the person laugh, share a story, or share the time watching a video together, there is no better sound than the sound of laughter.

Because if not for the joy of laughing with someone, what else can help us get through life?