It’s April 1st and I grinned all morning about the best April Fool’s prank that I ever pulled. It was in college. My friend, Megan, and I saved soda cans for a month, then at midnight on April 1st, we quietly built a wall of cans outside our friend, Abby’s, dormitory door. When Abby emerged from her bedroom the next morning, she was greeted by rows and rows of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper. She thought it was hilarious. As Abby busted through the facade, we all melted into an unadulterated, unfiltered, belly roar of laughter. It was great! I still chuckle to myself when I think about it all these years later. It was fun to plan, Abby was good natured about it and no harm was done (yes, the cans were eventually recycled; it was all good).
Smiles and laughter and fun are downright contagious. Everyone has a better time when these elements are part of the mix. Even when interacting with people in a professional capacity, I find that if we are able to find a little humor in our discussions, to share a smile or two, to build a bridge to common ground, our relationships are enriched.
Here’s the deal – and it’s no laughing matter – there are actually health benefits associated with laughter such as lower blood pressure, reduced stress, better resistance to certain types of infections, increased memory, improved alertness and creativity. Who wouldn’t want a good belly laugh now and again?
So, I wasn’t creative enough to come up with a bogus, April Fool’s type posting for you today, but I couldn’t let the day get away from me without suggesting to you that, as you continue your life’s journey, be sure to laugh – a lot!