Humor is shock absorber that eases bumps in life and laughter is a vaccine for ills of world. Laughter increases your adrenaline which leads to a release of enthusiasm and optimism. Aerobic breathing comes from laughter - your endorphins are super-charged.

Humor is associated with youth, vigor, intelligence and being "with it." The broad smile and light remark are welcome guests at any gathering. It says: I want to be friends. Humor enhances an image, motivates, and helps create a relaxed reality.

Expressing your sense of humor can be as simple as encouraging and responding to merriment of those around you - even with just a smile. You don't have to be a joke teller. Think about words or images that bring a grin to your face. Here's a start: * supercalifragilisticexpealodocious (I think I got it right - help Mary Poppins!) * upsy daisy day (thanks to Stephanie West Allen who publishes an e-zine with this name) * Snoopy (Charlie Brown's dog) dancing for pure joy of it * a child discovering something new (I remember my niece's first fun encounter playing in sand) * antics of Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Lucille Ball, Robin Williams, Jim Carey

Have you given much thought to what makes you smile, giggle or burst out into a loud and refreshing belly laugh? What situations were you in or who are you with when you feel most at ease to let your sense of humor come out and play? What are circumstances when your senses are full of magic of outright pleasure, entertainment and enjoyment?

Here's a real easy idea - share cartoon and funny stories with your friends, co-workers and family. I recently sent a cartoon to a lady whose theme is to live with passion and gratitude - she was delighted that I thought of her and responded directly to her gardening interest. I took pleasure in knowing that I'd made her grin too. Many of you probably receive and forward some delightful tales and absurdities that you find on Internet or in magazines. Last week I *snail mailed* a piece about ludicrous lawsuits and cost of a child to some friends to give them a little lift to their day. Not only did they enjoy silliness but they were also happy to get something other than bills and junk mail to open!

I've read that benefits are gained from smiling at a minimum of five people a day. If you are working alone or really can't find a good reason to smile at your co-workers or family that day - then find another way to make sure you bring a smile to yourself. Read some jokes in a book or on a humor site or e-zine. Watch a favorite TV show or rent a movie that you know will make you feel good. Another method is to look for five funny or absurd things a day - this keeps your mind thinking in direction of being less serious.