From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.
- Dr. Seuss

He who makes companions laugh deserves paradise
- The Koran

A man is known by his laughter.
- The Talmud

Did you know the average six-year-old laughs 300 times a day? If only our daily reading of technical manuals, RFPs, and corporate literature were written by Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose.... We often get so consumed with the seriousness in life we forget to see the humor in a situation. Yes, life is difficult. Certainly, life is not fair. But when we dwell on our misfortunes we let these difficult situations control our lives; the longer we focus on the negatives, the bigger these problems become and the more power they have over us. Finding the humor empowers us! Ronald Culberson, LC5W, entertained the CAC/HDI September seminar attendees with a lively discussion about the psychological, physiological, spiritual and social benefits of humor and laughter in ordinary and extraordinary situations:

There has been much research studying the effects of humor and laughter on a variety of human conditions. Humor has been shown to have a positive effect on:

• Increasing mood
• Improving relationships
• Increasing longevity
• Reducing anxiety
• Reducing pain
• Reducing aggression
• Healing depression
• Healing physical illness
• Enhancing learning

While climbing that proverbial corporate ladder we need to remind ourselves that getting to the top is about being a good leader not being a serious, uptight manager. Don't be afraid to use humor in the workplace. It can be a very effective leadership tool. Humor can be used in presentations and staff meetings as an icebreaker, a motivator; or to help boost your point. Hide a joke in a memo, create a cartoon board, give awards for finding and appreciating humor. Encourage people to get involved. Don't worry that you are not funny. Being funny and enjoying humor are two different things; you can laugh at humor and appreciate humor without being funny. Incorporating humor regularly into your professional and personal life can help you gain perspective and add balance. Ron reminds us that even in the hardest of times, if you can find something anything to hang on to and see the humor, even for a split second, you will feel better.

Ron Culberson presents to CAC/HDI courtesy of FUNsulting, etc. in association with inSITE Training & Development, Inc. Ron Culberson helps others to balance serious issues with a light touch. In fact, he has spent most of his life appreciating the FUN and humor in even day experiences. Ron's experiences as a hospice social worker and a senior manager have inspired him to help others realize the importance of finding balance in life. Ron truly personifies Oscar Wilde's statement that "life is too important to be taken seriously."