It's a Grave New World - Sometimes

Holidays, January 19th, and April 15th are not the only days that seem to bring a sense of gloom over our world.

Sometimes people cannot mask their problems or life challenges as well as others, or perhaps they are either at a breaking point or so full that the overload is now overflowing, right before your very eyes.

This is the perfect opportunity for gently injecting a little levity and Applied Humor, to help lighten up the atmosphere! Keep a little mental toolbox well stocked with ideas and short bits to help brighten the day.

Sometimes all it takes is a reassuring smile.

For some tips on adding humor to everyday: click on this link here

Memories and Special Treasures

Do you want to spread laughter and cheer, make memories for others?

Do you need a special leave-behind item for healthcare facility patients?

…nursing home residents?…for humanitarian purposes?…outreach events?

Do you need a fun giveaway low-cost, high-impact item to share laughter and cheer for general purposes?

Recognizing the need to share laughter and cheer, while creating happy memories with leave-behind treasures, we put “The Funny Smile Makerz Kit” together to help share grins and good times.

We have used “Funny Smilez” for years – they have always been a hit!

“Funny Smilez” are adorable — see them in action – check them out…

Special Report Now Available on Healing Humor

A newly-published special report is now available on the necessity of Healing Humor in daily life.

Humor has important health benefits, and is recognized by many in the medical community to have positive affects in aiding healing, while relieving patient discomfort in the healthcare setting.

With the world growing increasingly gray, the need for humor is paramount.

Request your FREE copy of this report: by clicking on this link, here

"Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America" PBS Series

This 6-hour documentary features interviews with more than 90 comedians, writers, producers, and historians. Each episode focuses on a particular genre of American comedy.

Hosted by Billy Crystal, the program explores the role of American comedy during a century of social and political change, illustrating how comedians tackled and poked fun at the political system, race relations, gender issues, prevailing American standards and taboos in everyday life.

The series premiered nationally on January 14. Scheduled installments are 21, 28 at 8PM (EST), repeating at 10PM (EST) on PBS -- check your local listings.

To view an online episode, read about comedy's evolution, and enjoy spotlighted video interviews, click this link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/makeemlaugh/

Healing Humor 'Connections'

Thought you would like to know…

A Healing Humor Group AND “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” Fan Page are on Facebook – hope you’ll join us there – you’re invited!

FB Group: Healing Humor http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22685319484#

FB FAN Page: Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy http://www.facebook.com/pages/Healing-Humor-Live-Happy-Be-Healthy/52815368071


Follow “Healing Humor” on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HealingHumor

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy!

With my work in applied humor in the healthcare setting since 1997, this program has been many years in the writing. I am personally thrilled to see the number of participants growing in my complimentary audio program...

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy! http://snipurl.com/23els

The Need for Humor in Everyday is Universal and Relevant

No time like the present, is the need for humor in everyday for every human being on earth more apparent, as the world grows grayer, colder and many previously unspeakable -- or thought of -- stark realities set in as the new norm.

For some inspiration and encouragement, listen in from the comfort of your own computer, or download to your iPod "to-go," to the podcast presentation on this topic, from AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show, by clicking on this linked text, or the radio graphic (above)...

Bubble Wrap!

Bubble wrap is a great stress reliever! It makes a FUN, albeit wacky kind of gift-type item for caregivers in the healthcare setting. Simply cut it into small squares for presentation.

Speaking of Bubble Wrap…
http://www.bubblewrapfun.com/

Bubble Wrap Personality Test
http://www.sealedair.com/products/protective/bubble/funstuff/bwfeli/personality.html

To learn more about the history of bubble wrap, click on the bubble wrap picture (above)...

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 4

Reframing things in a new way...

Viewing things in a slightly humorous way -- just a little bit differently, helps to give a lighter perspective and is an effective coping mechanism.

This can be easily and natually done by anyone, just by applying a little creativity and thinking outside the box:

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

8. Rename to Keep Sane:

Cash Flow: The movement your money makes as it disappears down the drain.

Broker: What I am today, after taking the advice of my financial planner.

9. Exaggerate – Comedians use overstatements to get a laugh.

You can too:

Our family is so poor these days… to save on milk, we eat our corn flakes with a fork.

Our family is so poor these days… when someone rings the doorbell, I stick my head out the window and yell, “Ding-Dong.”

10. Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella – This simple choice is yours: You can frown and be miserable – an option readily chosen by way too many people -- or you can wear a contagious smile.

In your conversations with people, smile and ask to see their smile. Then say, “I see you’ve been practicing!”

Want more great information to inspire humor in everyday?

Check out this FREE online audio program:

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy -- For Everyone, Everyday!

To provoke more smiles through inspired mirth, “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” a complimentary 5-session online audio program with companion E-Books, to help participants discover the positive health benefits of humor, how to administer generous doses of humor, and ways humor may be interjected into every day for a happier, healthier life.

Written and presented by Becky Cortino, coordinator of FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Clown Creative Arts Ministry, this program was launched in celebration of Frye Regional Medical Center’s “Healing Arts Festival” held in the spring of 2008.

Program details and to sign up for “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy”: http://snipurl.com/23els

Thanks to the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) for supplying these "10 Tips for Finding Humor in These Turbulent Times!" Becky Cortino is a member of AATH.

For information on the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH): http://www.aath.org/

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 3

Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness usually involve the element of surprise, with an imaginative twist on the usual, reframing things just a bit differently...

5. Fun with Food:

Put a bag of cookies or marshmallows in your briefcase. Then, start your meeting by asking, “Dessert, anyone?”

Have a marshmallow stacking competition!

Put a pack of bubble gum in your coat pocket and, in the elevator, offer some to everyone!

6. Pop Go Your Worries – Save your bubble wrap!

It’s a great stress reliever.

Pop it with your fingers, knees and toes! Dance on it! Pop it with the help of young children! Pop it, in unison, to the beat of music!

Bubble wrap also makes a great FUN gift!

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

Next: Reframing things in a new way...

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 2

There are plenty of ways to add a touch of humor to the everyday -- just look around!

This installment encourages you to play with the "signs of the times" and offers inspirations for totally Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness...

3. Signs of the Times - here are some mirthful sayings to spark up your conversations:

The rules have changed… there are none!

Apparently not all clowns are in the circus!

Never wrestle with a pig - you both get dirty, but the pig likes it!

You don’t have to be crazy to work here…but it sure helps!

If we’re closed, just slide the money under the door!

I’m not weird… I’m gifted!

4. Try Some Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness:

Wear mismatched gloves or socks… on purpose!

If and when a store clerk, restaurant server or flight attendant asks matter-of-factly
“How are you today?” try replies such as: “Well medicated - and you?” or “At least I’m verticle!
Instead of them always thanking you, thank them first and watch their reaction!

Next: We will show you how to carry this Humor-Thing a few more steps further, including:

How to Have FUN with Your Food!

Popping the Bubble for Stress Relief!

Use Your Imagination!