JOANNA CAREW

When was the last time you laughed and laughed? When you couldn’t stop breaking into giggles, your eyes streamed, and sides ached?

Mine was a few weeks back in Marrakech when dining out; it was all sparked by a word with funny connotations on the dinner menu. The giggle fits quickly escalated as we were unable to keep it together to place our orders, then lasted for hours – this video was taken much later when we’d left the restaurant and tried to pose sensibly for a photo, we failed! 🤣

That evening we collapsed with laughter over and over again, squeaking out new variations of stupidity, and howling at each other. When we got up to leave some other diners thanked us for entertaining them all evening. Mortified, we apologised for being so ridiculous but they insisted we mustn’t apologise because they’d had a blast watching us killing ourselves with laughter!

If you have someone that brings you this ridiculousness, I’d say you are truly blessed. For, no matter what crap is going on in your life, diverting your attention to slapstick, nonsensical humour even for a few minutes will reset your mood and bring you pure joy.

My Bestie, Julie

My fun person is Julie, she’s THE most wonderful bestie you could ever wish for and brings the ridiculous to a whole new level.

I, and all of Julie’s friends, have hundreds of tales, “about the time they went out with Julie and … … ” She’s beautiful inside and out and brings out the very best in people.

We’ve just spent the weekend together in Norfolk and had another total blast. Thank you Julie, you are the sunshine, and this is on top of all the other amazing things about you. You are one of a kind. Love you xxx

The Power of Laughter

A lot of people who know me think I am a very serious person. Actually, I’ve had a very tricky relationship with senseless silliness, and it is only now as a healthy adult – and having friends like Julie – I have realised how much we all need laughter and absurdity.

Of course laughter has a time and a place, many of us are busy professionals and constant slapstick behaviour would be entirely inappropriate. But how many of us get so bogged down that we no longer engage in the ridiculous?! When did you actually last cry with laughter? Do you play like a child?

You must!

Back in February I was pretty fragile. It was Valentines, my birthday, and early on in being separated from my husband. So, Julie and I decided to jump on a plane for a change of scenery. We ended up in Rome, great, but Rome held a lot of memories for me with my ex. This didn’t matter a jot! Whilst there Julie had me rolling in stitches, we visited my favourite places and made new memories. In fact I didn’t feel sad for a moment, the ex was forgotten and we and howled and howled with laughter.

Imagine how differently the Rome trip could’ve gone. We could’ve moped about and my head could’ve been full of sadness. Not a chance when you’re laughing your head off!

I think laughter is infectious too, you can’t help but smile when you’re exposed to it. Then you feel lighter inside, your mood brightens, and problems feel smaller and more manageable.

Do you agree?