Page 3 - September 2020 Voices

Laugh More

Phyllis Harmon, DTM

Fire, pandemic, riots, and elections—what else can 2020
be remembered for? Oh yes—the demise of the traditional
Toastmasters education program.
Which of the above challenges affects us most? Some would
say the move to Pathways, others point to natural and man-made upheavals. I,
on the other hand, think it’s none of the above. I think the most telling disaster
for all of us falls to our apparent loss of a sense of humor.
When is the last time you stepped back from whatever was distracting you
and just chilled (do people say chilled any more)? We get so caught up in the
crises of the moment, that we forget that ‘this too shall pass.’ I think we lose our
sense of the ridiculous as we are pounded day after day with emotional traumas
and outside influences who tell us how to think.
It’s not that I don’t care about what is happening around me. Heaven knows
I have very strong opinions about some of what we are presented with. But I try
not to let it rule how I think or act. That’s where a sense of humor and the ability
to laugh at the world and at myself comes in very handy.
I am reminded that laughter is therapeutic and helps put everything in EDITORIAL
perspective.

“A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed
for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress
hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your
resistance to disease.” (helpguide.org)

So, my fellow Toastmasters, laugh. Laugh in the face of seeming disaster.
Laugh at other people’s antics. And most of all, laugh at
yourself. Keep your perspective and remember, what
the Readers Digest told us for years—laughter is the best
medicine.

Volume 7 Issue 1 July 2020 Monthly Columnists 2020-21 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher B. Lee Coyne, ATMS District Director Phyllis Harmon, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM PJ Kleffner, DTM
Emilie Taylor, DTM Public Relations Manager
Associate Publisher Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director Neal Iversen
Brenda Parsons, ACS, ALS James Wantz, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM
Senior Editor Leanna Lindquist, DTM Club Growth Director Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Lorrie Andersen, DTM Lorrie Andersen, DTM Toastmasters. First issue published August
Michelle Alba-Lim, DTM 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Associate Editor Paul Fanning, DTM Finance Manager voices@d7toastmasters.org
Leanna Lindquist, DTM PJ Kleffner, DTM Jamie Gould, CC

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2020 3