Your laughter may just change someone’s life

The past few months have been incredibly difficult. I think the uphill battle since November has stolen my laughter. I have been faced by huge challenges – both at work and at home, where the lovely Snapdragon’s health scare has taken its toll on the entire family.

But I think those small problems have done more harm than I realised at first. I don’t want to open a can of worms here – as a matter of fact, I can’t, because our trusted red can opener has broken after six or seven years of loyal service.

Which is just another one of the little irritations that can pile up and rob the most optimistic, positive person of his bright outlook.

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My knee aches when it gets colder, our children and Rocky the Min Pin have all collected a few kilos more than is advisable, I don’t sleep well, our TV works again, food and fuel prices have skyrocketed, I’m going to become a grandfather and I don’t think I’m ready for it, my treasured earphones have disappeared with several tracksuit jackets…

I usually take pride in my ability to shun life’s small problems, but nowadays I am battling. I seem to be surrounded by ill-tempered, moody people and it’s rubbing off on me.

I dearly miss laughter. Which is another concern to add to my list. You know what they say: laugh and the whole world laughs with you. Lately I’ve been crying a lot, which means, I’ve learned, that I have to blow my nose often. Alone.

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I tried to talk to Snapdragon about it. “I try to help people in need. But I can’t help to think that there is nobody I can rely on when I’m going through a bad patch.”

“It’s your own fault,” she said. “You’ll never speak up when you need money. I’m sure there are a lot of people who will help you if you need money and they can afford it.”

I didn’t say anything. Money is the one thing I don’t worry about.

Dear reader, please be aware of those around you this weekend. Some people don’t talk about their mental well-being. But the lack of laughter is a form of poverty which is just as serious as financial difficulties. Spread your laughter if you have any to spare. Who knows, it may just change someone’s life. Even if it’s just for an hour.

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