500 Words: Laughter

Laughing is the most important thing I do every day. It keeps me grounded. It reminds me that things don't have to be so serious. It helps me comprehend things when the world doesn't make sense anymore.

People criticize Jimmy Fallon for laughing when he's acting or telling a joke. I think it's endearing. He's human and I think it shows that he gets joy out of his job. I respect people who are able to harness joy in their careers and show it. There are too many miserable people in this world. It’s the same with Click and Clack from Car Talk on NPR. I love how even after thirty or so years, those guys could just break down in laughter during every show. I think that shows you are getting joy out of your job and your life.

I took classes in standup comedy last year. That was a goal of mine for quite a while and I’m proud of myself that I was able to go onstage, even just a few times, and get a laugh. I love to make people happy and I’m glad I was able to get a few giggles out of people. I’ve really enjoyed working at ImprovBoston. I love that there are companies, organizations, and people whose purpose in the world is to make others laugh. I think that is a great gift and one that we undervalue in our society.

I just finished up another level of classes at Improv Boston and I had my 301 Improv showcase last night. I think I did very well, better than I thought I would. I told myself before the show that I would take all this stuff that I was feeling and put it out on stage. Just let it all flow out and try to make some people laugh. I think it worked and I feel a lot better today. There was one scene I really liked where I played an intern for a drug dealer. It was a bit lacking in relationship, but I think it could have gone somewhere. That’s the beauty of improv though, you do what you can with the one shot you have.

There’s a connection between pain and laughter that people don’t always acknowledge. I think it’s an underrated way of healing and dealing with pain. (I really want to watch Patch Adams again.) I love those tv shows that can navigate the water between pain and laughter. That’s why I’ve been watching a lot of Community lately. The thing I love about that show is that every character is broken or not normal in some sort of way. Jeff Winger is a disbarred lawyer. Abed is socially awkward. Troy is a recovering prom king. The character aren’t perfect. They deal with their stuff and they look to thrive and create joy in their relationships any way they can.

I’d rather laugh than be scared or angry. There is so much pain and suffering in the world. Sometimes we just need to step back and remember that there are good things and good people in this world.