Joy to the World: The Gift of Humor

For many years I have been vigorously complimented for my authenticity. I've enjoyed the exhilaration of sharing the most intimate details of my life with strangers in opportune moments and reaching the dearest of friends and family by wearing my heart on my sleeve. I'm from New England, so this kind of honesty comes naturally to me, but pleasantly surprises people in the West.

During this Christmas season I've been wondering if there are other ways to use this gift of authenticity to bless others. As I was pondering I realized that I've been withholding the joy of my humor from the world. When it is convenient and when I meet like-minded people, my humor becomes quite obvious, but that's unfortunately not very often. I rarely allow that side of my personality to come out because I usually wait for someone else to initiate playful witty banter, but it's time to show up and shine.

Frankly I find humans ridiculous. We think we know what we're doing, but really we have no idea and we look like fools most of the time. I've learned to take great joy in watching myself fail and make the biggest messes of all time by laughing at myself and not taking myself too seriously.

I put together my first stand-up routine almost a year ago and I received a surprising amount of positive feedback. There have also been other instances in which I've received feedback that I have the power to unite a whole room in uproarious laughter. I realize now how substantial my contribution to the world can be when I intentionally create the space of joy and laughter wherein my friends can play.

Humor has been my saving grace. Late-night re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond or the Bill Cosby Show have lifted my spirits many a time in the dark nights of my soul. There is something magical about pointing out the absurdity of tragedy and human foibles that disempowers the foe. The forces of evil can't stand a chance when someone puts on a smile and makes 'em laugh.

Remember Robin Williams?

Some of the happiest and funniest men and women developed humor as a weapon against the most debilitating demons, darkness, and depression. I cried the day he died. Although I didn't know him, in many ways I knew him. He was a tragic hero, yet an example of intentional optimism, joy, and faith in the face of trial and tribulation beyond what most people ever experience. His fantastic and authentic performance as a husband grief-stricken due to the suicide of his wife in What Dreams May Come may have been relatively unnoticed, but not to me. Suicide is not the end, Robin, as you know.

Remember Funny Girl?

In the movie version Barbara Streisand plays a comedian married to a husband addicted to gambling and the musical ends with the couple tragically separating. The song Send In the Clowns has always been hauntingly beautiful to me:

Humor is also an opportunity to put the problems of life into proper perspective. To those of us that are truly committed to humor, it is not entertainment--it is a lifestyle. My love of good humor began as a teenager as I attended a bi-weekly improv comedy troupe akin to "Whose Line is It Anyway?" I fell in love with wit, flow, and authenticity and the experiences of sheer joy and connection I had changed my life forever. I have since remained totally committed to good humor.

Without further ado, here is a clip of my first standup routine. Anticipate more to come in 2017.