Laughter is just as contagious as fear or anger. I’ve watched people heal the last two months or so. Laughter really IS good medicine, an antidote for pain, rage, grief. I would define laughter as lack of fear. There is no way a person can truly giggle or smile or scream with laughter if they are afraid. I’m not talking about that false smile or hesitant laugh of doubt or embarrassment. I mean really letting go of fear and enjoying a moment of Ha-Ha . . . from the soul.
Since September 11th, I have seen growth and balance on a daily basis. Pain always leads to these things, unless you can’t let go of the thing that hurts. I’ve watched city after city lighten up and laugh at the world in an honest, caring and unflinchingly courageous way. Since “it” happened, I’ve been to Washington, Oregon, Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Utah, New Mexico. These states are very concerned for the future of this planet, but they have been intelligent and human enough to see that a better world begins with a better town, a better home, a better me. Balance is better. Laughter is lighter. Funny feels good.
I go to work every night lately with an extra hurdle to get over. The world is a scarier place these days. I want to thank the audiences I have had for jumping so high to clear that obstacle. I hope it continues. It has to. I’ll keep writing, you keep coming back, OK? Unless you’re not up to it . . .
Test Joke: Anthrax is scary and deadly . . . But did you ever think you’d see the day when airport police would say, “It’s OK, let him go . . . it’s just a bag of heroin, thank God! Have a nice flight!”