I just celebrated my 21st year…not THAT 21st year, although I do vividly and vaguely recall my 21st birthday. Vividly, because it was a milestone. Vaguely, because friends whom we had invited to stop by for the party, basically did not. Apparently, the invitation was a bit too casual and we three roommates were left with a bowl of "punch" the size of Lake Superior. Our apartment obviously didn't have the reputation for being the party hub of campus. Jenna Bush, I feel your pain, but, I, at least, was legal, thus, Excedrin was the only ticket for me! Fast-forward 24 years, to the 21st year of my current career. In some ways, it feels a lot like age 21 did. I suppose it's the sense of freedom that comes with aging. Score: 1-0, aging's up by one. Clearly, this is the most positive benefit I've found in the race through the ages, although my bifocal contacts finish a close second!

Age 21 made me legal in some ways, but career year 21 gave me my license to laugh, the humor to howl, the suggestion to snicker. I'm a student again, but this time, of humor, laughter, and their benefits in the workplace. (The home place isn't a bad idea for humor and laughter either. Calgon!) For over 20 years, I took myself, and others much too seriously. As a result, a few of the things I have to show for my serious approach to life are: a mouth guard for nighttime teeth grinding and facial gel for Rosacea flare-ups. The culprit? You guessed it, Stress, with a capitol "S!" Throw in a wrist splint for immobilization of my extensor muscle and all I would need to complete my peignoir each night is a steel-toed boot for toe cramps. I know, I know, this is quite a vision. I haven't seen the boot in Victoria's Secret catalog yet; it must still be in R & D.

An intriguing "Laughter Therapy" workshop last year helped to nudge my transition into humor and laughter. Laughter Therapy? Can you say, "oxymoron?" Incongruous as these two words may seem, laughter therapy is one viable solution to some of the stress life heaps upon us every day. "Why the intrigue," you ask? Because research maintains that 70% of all diseases are related to stress; an impressive statistic. The roster includes heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, depression, colon problems, female problems, and Cancer. The list goes on. Personally, I would much rather rank in the lower 1/3 of this class. No overachieving here, even from a Type A gal like me. No thanks; I've tested a few subjects in this curriculum. I'll settle for an "F" in stress any time…an "F' for fun, that is. So, I decided to look harder for humor and incorporate laughter in my life. It's not that difficult. It's a choice, a mind-set. Plus, it's like double-coupon days: laughter, whether self-induced or natural, offers similar health benefits from either source. Win-win. Now I have a humor condition. I hope there's no cure. I'm better this way and so are others around me. In the columns ahead, I will look forward to sharing the cornerstones of my "WELLness" Philosophy:

Work with the things that cause you stress.

Everywhere is funny stuff…if you'll just look for the humor.

Laugh at your self...might as well…others are!

Like-minded people will share your humor.

Until next time, let humor lighten up your outlook and you'll be a "halogen in a world of 40 watters!" - Suzanne Kramer

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