There is an old saying that laugher is the best medicine; a theory which I whole-heartedly support. And assuming this theory is correct then I plan on (Lord willing) living to a ripe ol' age. Laughter, true belly-aching laughter is one of the most invigorating and happy feelings ever felt, I'm sure of it. Mind you I don't think it is a common kind of laughter but it is a memorable one. In fact it is exactly the kind of thing that got me in trouble in high school. I was a fairly good high school kid, save bringing a pen that looked like a cigarette to school (that one landed me time in the office...for those of you that don't know I went to a private school and those kind of things were frowned upon...but I digress). One of the most memorable trouble making times for me was when I disrupted the class. In fact it was not only me but my dear friend, we both came down with belly-aching laughter and were sent out of class for being disruptive. Years later I have no recollection of what we were chortling about, only that is was straight up hilarious. Another thing you should know about me is that my laughs tend to be, well, a bit loud, more of a "whoop" than a chuckle when I really get going. This whoop became a signature of mine I guess you could say. It became known as "the war whoop" apparently ( I was told by the boys in my class) because it sounded like a battle cry. I know, flattering.
After high school I spent my first year going to college in Boston. I didn't know anyone there and thats one of the main reasons I went-to seek adventure in the unknown. And that I did. I have many tales from my adventure year on the East Coast, (including taking a three hour bus ride to NYC next to a Russian poker player, and the time I wound up in the heart of Brooklyn's gang activity on a dreary night) but they will have to wait. Something I've come to realize is that since beginning college the "war whoop", my frequent moments of deep cackling, have lessened. More specifically my first two years of college. Don't get me wrong I still laugh. A lot. I feel especially blessed because I get to spend the rest of my life with someone who cracks me up every day.
In fact tonight Sean made me laugh so hard I started laughing out my eyes, then my sides began to laugh (and by laugh I mean ache). After about ten minutes of solid laughter from the two of us we were finally able to catch out breath. Soon after I tried to sleep but I was just so filled with joviality I couldn't stand closing my eyes on such a lovely moment. So I began reflecting. Then typing.
College is viewed as a time to "grow up" and "figure out life". When I left for college I stepped into a role of more personal responsibility and life challenges- I was becoming an adult. There are certain expectations people put on themselves and that culture puts on them to "grow up, get a job". Two very good things. However in this elusive passage from child to adult I think something gets lost. The appreciation for the simple things in life. Children are best at appreciating the small things, taking joy, and laughing. It is much easier to get a child to laugh than an "adult". I believe we have a lot to learn from children. Their hope in the future, their joy in the present, and their ever-active imagination is inspiring. Too often people equate being "child-like" with immaturity-But they are quite different and I am by no means suggesting the latter. Immaturity is an unwillingness to accept responsibility. Being child-like is maintaining the ability to dream big, unchaining your creativity and finding joy and laughter in the beauty and hilarity of life.
I remember my dad lovingly running to store after store looking for the perfect pair of glasses. My mom let me borrow her grandmothers shawl. I made use of an old cane found at our beach house. I climbed on a chair to get the baby powder from the cabinet. With the discovery of an old black and white frock I became my best Halloween costume: an old lady. I got to go to my second grade class and participated in a costume contest. I remember right before I set foot in the classroom I curled my lips over my teeth and pretended not to have any, I arched my back and walked slowly in the room. That whole day I played an old woman. But just as I was a giggling spunky seven year old, I was a chuckling old lady. I guess it was my true old soul coming out for everyone to see. I remember laughing a lot that day with my fellow classmates. I hope to carry such a spirit of laughter and joy throughout life. Even when it gets covered up by life's expectations it never goes away and is easily resurrected. It is not too hard to get burdened by difficult circumstances, sorrow, fear, hatred and hurt. But despite the depth of pain those bring I stand firm that joy can overcome it, with laughter as its voice. So as I grow older each day, as my responsibilities increase (and when the day come that I really do need that cane) I hope to remember to laugh, to notice the small lovely things, and to not take life too seriously. Life is serious enough as is, let yourself be a kid sometimes, it helps.
College is viewed as a time to "grow up" and "figure out life". When I left for college I stepped into a role of more personal responsibility and life challenges- I was becoming an adult. There are certain expectations people put on themselves and that culture puts on them to "grow up, get a job". Two very good things. However in this elusive passage from child to adult I think something gets lost. The appreciation for the simple things in life. Children are best at appreciating the small things, taking joy, and laughing. It is much easier to get a child to laugh than an "adult". I believe we have a lot to learn from children. Their hope in the future, their joy in the present, and their ever-active imagination is inspiring. Too often people equate being "child-like" with immaturity-But they are quite different and I am by no means suggesting the latter. Immaturity is an unwillingness to accept responsibility. Being child-like is maintaining the ability to dream big, unchaining your creativity and finding joy and laughter in the beauty and hilarity of life. 
