The use of humor in my everyday life has proven invaluable.  Humor helps me keep things in perspective, it helps me move through tough situations, and it relieves unnecessary stress.

One has to know me very well or pay close attention to recognize my sense of humor.  My brother, on the other hand, is blessed with a sense of humor that people gravitate toward and enjoy being around.  I always was grateful that he was able to take the attention off me and captivate the crowd with his quick wit.  That does not mean that he always uses his sense of humor, but it continues to be a useful tool.

Sometimes I simply use humor as a state of mind.  I smile, shake my head, laugh a bit, and think to myself, “Is this really happening?”  It helps me ward off any negative thoughts and impulsive comments.  Humor is followed by a prayer asking for guidance in handling the situation at hand.

Humor played a significant and positive role in my marriage.  Some of the most difficult moments of my marriage were softened by humorous moments.  The most effective and heartfelt line started with a smile and ended with, “Yes, but I know you will always love me!”  That statement never failed to bring a smile to my husband’s face and always broke the “chill” of the moment.

For me, maintaining a clear perspective as I age is very important.  I have seen people handling a variety of obstacles occurring at different ages.  Some go through difficult times at a young age, while others do not feel the signs of aging until late in their life.  Common factors that appear to have been most helpful include their faith and their sense of humor. 

As my parents age, I look at their need for increased assistance and their attitude toward accepting help.   For many people accepting help is difficult.  I am quite sure that accepting help from the children you raised would be both difficult and heartwarming. 

One of the many reasons I love to spend time with my aging parents is because they both understand the importance of incorporating humor into their everyday lives.  They know when to laugh at a crazy comment, unusual facial expression, or a funny joke.  Their everyday life tasks that have become difficult are lightened by a good laugh.   

My 86-year-old mother was grateful that I was over-visiting.  She was sitting on the couch watching me vacuum, when she said, “That vacuum looks great in your hands.”  My father, mother, and I were all laughing.  Her humor provided us all with a special moment.

What are we doing to hold onto our humor?  Is there a way we can use appropriate humor to reduce our stress?  As I navigate the aging process alongside my parents I am finding increased value in utilizing a sense of humor. 

Appropriate humor helps in making people feel more comfortable with the situation they are experiencing.  Often, a sense of humor is something that can facilitate reducing stress.  Certainly, a good sense of humor and strong faith helps me put things in perspective.

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