Dear Friends,
I'm on a flight home to Brooklyn from Montana, where I joined members of our Billings chapter for their eighth anniversary celebration.
Getting out into Big Sky Country was a breath of fresh air -- literally -- and so were conversations and hugs with dozens of warm, smart, energetic women who have Big Sky perspectives on life. I admire those women more than I can say.
I learned a lot from them. During a steering committee dinner at chapter chair Marti Miller's house, Marti told a personal story involving a runaway golf cart, a deep pool of filthy water and a floating wallet. Every one of us was laughing. I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. Most of the women were lost in laughter despite having heard the story at least one time before.
Those deep belly laughs felt so healthy -- and according to science, they were! The act of laughing triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals. At the same time, it reduces our levels of stress hormones, helping to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Laughter even stimulates our immune system and protects us against getting sick. The old cliche "laughter is good medicine" is based in truth.
Some magic happened in that moment, though, that had nothing to do with our individual bodies. Laughing glued us together in a way that made Marti's kitchen feel like the safest place on earth.
In a country where loneliness and social isolation have reached epidemic proportions, I think we ought to find more opportunities to laugh. Sharing a good laugh reinforces our feeling of connection, giving us the confidence and sense of security we need to navigate the countless transitions we travel through in our lives.
How can we experience the benefits of Marti's kitchen without a trip to Billings? Laughter researchers (it's a real thing) refer to a virtuous cycle. Healthy, supportive relationships lead to more frequent laughter, which in turn promotes better mental and physical health. As our wellbeing improves, we become more capable of maintaining and nurturing strong relationships, creating a cycle of positivity, good health, and overall happiness.
All of this makes shared laughter a lot more than a simple pleasure. It's an important ingredient in a good life. Want some proof? Get together with women whose company you enjoy. Relax, eat or drink something, and tell some stories. My bet is that in no time at all you'll all be laughing,
With affection, respect, and a big smile,
Darla Hastings
Executive Director