Do You Have What It Takes?
“Hi, what’s your name?” I asked.
“I’m Janet,” she replied, turning to place her purse on the nearby table before adding with a grin, “From another planet!”
We both burst into genuine laughter. As our laughter faded, Janet’s expression changed. She looked at me and softly said, “Can I share something personal with you?”
“Of course,” I replied, readying myself. I’ve come to recognize these moments—the ones after my keynote when audience members humble me by waiting in line to say hello, snap a picture of my 1980 World Series ring, and sometimes share something deeply personal.
Boy, did Janet from another planet deliver!
Earlier that day, she had been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she quickly brushed them away and said, “I don’t want you to worry. I’m going to be fine, but I really wanted to let you know how much your words tonight meant to me.”
After she finished, I asked if I could offer some feedback. “Oh yes, please!” she said.
I told her that the humor she shared at the beginning of our brief meeting made me confident that she would win this battle. That laughter, that spark of joy, would help her overcome whatever came her way.
I reminded her that she naturally understood what so many of us forget—that smiles and laughter are powerful medicine. Medicine for the mind, body, and soul. We shared a warm embrace, and she was gone.
I believe we all have this natural understanding of humor’s healing power, but as adults, we often cover it with a cloak of seriousness. It’s time to let that go and rediscover the childlike joy of laughing at life’s challenges.
Here’s to embracing the healing power of smiles and laughter. 🙏💪
