Laughter is the Best Medicine. How many of you remember that section of the Reader’s Digest? In this section one would find funny quotes, jokes and anecdotes. Laughter is really good medicine, according to some researchers, and helps us to feel better. I get that. I believe that a good sense of humor, a positive attitude, an active faith and the support of family and friends certainly are also contributors to good health.
I would consider myself to be a serious-minded person the majority of the time. Sometimes I don’t even understand jokes unless they come with a detailed explanation.
I find myself laughing more these days – especially at myself. Those first few weeks with vision loss, the world was intimidating. I was nervous and clumsy and did a lot of stumbling over and bumping into things. ‘New’ situations popped up every day (they still do!).
For example, a simple task like brushing my teeth turned into frustration because more toothpaste ended up in the sink rather than on my brush. At first I was upset – but then I laughed. Why not? I could not begin every day being upset! So…I changed the color of my toothpaste and my toothbrush. I manage much better!
You may be wondering why this was a big deal. Color and contrast is important with vision loss. White on white does not work: putting white toothpaste on a toothbrush with white bristles or eating mashed potatoes on a white dinner plate or pouring water in a clear drinking glass…. These things can be messy!
It has been interesting – and sometimes fun – to play with colors and see which ones are suitable for a particular task. Pastel colors do not work well, but primary colors do! Using pens that write bold and black work; not blue ink or medium point. Working on a document with a bright yellow background with black print is good, too.
As you journey through your week, remember to laugh. It will make you feel better!
In plain sight 