Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

laughter

Teddy Margas Teddy Margas jokester. humorous healer. quick quipper.

Actor, comic, and writer, Teddy Margas, is co-founder of the Queers of Comedy. He's appeared in StreepTease, Margaret Cho's Blind Dinner Party, and The Women of Woody, An Evening of Iconic Woody Allen Women performed by an All-Male Cast. [www.teddymargas.com]

Laughter is the best medicine. Thousands of studies have been done on the healing benefits of laughter, so I am thrilled to have been blessed with the ability to make people laugh.

As a child, I was the class clown. Being the fat kid, I used laughter to make friends. And it worked. I didn’t think anything of it at the time. I used it to become “popular.” I could get a laugh out of any situation, but it wasn’t until much later that I realized the healing powers laughter held.

My best friend, dying of AIDS and on every type of machine and medicine known to man, would beg me to be in the room with him during his treatments. Why? I made him laugh. And when he laughed he felt no pain. Silly stories, ridiculous faces and witty retorts would make his treatments all the more bearable.

AIDS eventually took his life, and it was through humor, once again, that I was able to help heal the wounds of his loved ones. I realized how meaningful it was to me to make someone laugh. I decided to make comedy my career.

Years later, after performing in every bar or laundromat that would have me, I was invited to perform at the world famous Comedy Store. My debut was to be on September 11, 2001. In light of the attack, comedy was canceled that day. There would be no laughter. Late night talk shows refused to broadcast, and we began to heal. But how could we heal without laughter? We needed laughter to mend.

Eventually, comedy was reinstated across our country, and I was asked back to perform. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to talk about. I didn’t think the country would laugh again. I took a deep breath and began to think about why laughter was important, and why we as a country needed to laugh.

Each performer took to the stage. Each time no one laughed. How could this be? Then it hit me. I needed to address it. I needed to tackle the elephant and find some semblance of humor in it. So that’s what I did, opening with a quip about the recent influx of American flags on cars. And they laughed. Big hearty belly laughs coming out of smiling faces. At that moment I knew, everything is going to be all right.

– Teddy Margas

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Lynn Zavaro
    Lynn Zavaro Lynn Zavaro writer. creator. game maker.

    Lynn Zavaro guides others to know themselves and create the life they want. She's a writer, painter, teacher, and the creator of The Game of You. [www.gameofyou.com]

     
  • Kent Nerburn
    Kent Nerburn Kent Nerburn story weaver. mystery buff. bull follower.

    Author Kent Nerburn holds a PhD in religion and art. His most recent work completes a trilogy filled with spiritual and inspirational stories. His books have been Minnesota Book Award winners. [www.kentnerburn.com]

     
  • Tara Hantske
    Tara Hantske Tara Hantske holistic helper. working mama. constant questioner.

    Tara Hantske is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Counselor, a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and Team Northrup, and, most importantly, a mom. She helps people, especially moms, create health and balance. [www.tarahantskewellness.com]

     
  • John Morton
    John Morton John Morton counselor. spiritual director. do-gooder.

    John Morton is a minister, author, counselor, coach, and the Spiritual Director of several non-profit organizations, including the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. [www.theblessings.org]

     
  • Gina Rudan
    Gina Rudan Gina Rudan genius finder. de-compartmentalizer. mind-heart mixer.

    Gina Rudan is an author, thought leader, and the president of Genuine Insights Inc., a contemporary professional development and training practice with the mission of leveraging the genius within every individual and organization. [www.genuineinsights.com]

     
  • Bryant McGill
    Bryant McGill Bryant McGill heartfelt activist. truth detective. passionate space-seeker.

    Bryant McGill is an internationally renowned author, essayist, speaker, and activist in the fields of self-development, personal freedom, and human rights. [www.bryantmcgill.com/vor]

     
  • Calleen Cordero
    Calleen Cordero Calleen Cordero designer. artisan. spirit elevator.

    Calleen Cordero brings the Old World art of handmade artisan footwear and accessories back to the United States, elevating the spirit one sole at a time. [www.calleencordero.com]

     
  • William Ury
    William Ury William Ury peace groupie. mediator. life surfer.

    One of the world's best known mediators, William Ury co-founded the Harvard Negotiation Project and has co-authored global bestsellers about negotiation and peacemaking. [www.williamury.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Mickey Lemle
    Mickey Lemle Mickey Lemle director. writer. conscious producer.

    Mickey Lemle is an award-winning writer, director, and producer. He founded Lemle Pictures, which specializes in producing films with spiritual, environmental, and socially conscious themes. [www.lemlepictures.com]

     
  • Sophie Chiche
    Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. idea activista. no-bullsh**er.

    Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking game-changers deep questions, wallpapering her stairway, dancing with her staff, reading The Little Prince, and ... oh, you know … living a life of meaning. [www.lifebyme.com]

     
  • Eric Buterbaugh
    Eric Buterbaugh Eric Buterbaugh flower man. beauty crafter. traveling buddy.

    Designer and world traveler Eric Buterbaugh is the owner of Eric Buterbaugh Flower and Event Design – creating floral masterpieces daily. [www.ericbuterbaugh.com]

     
  • Gwen Olsen
    Gwen Olsen Gwen Olsen youth activist. spiritual traveller. non-judger.

    Human Rights Award recipient Gwen Olsen is a passionate activist for children rights who has published numerous health-related articles exposing the inherent dangers of pharmaceuticals. [www.gwenolsen.com]

     
  • Mark Loring
    Mark Loring Mark Loring poet. literary healer. waker upper.

    Mark Loving is a poet and spiritual teacher. His hope and intention is that his writing will encourage others to look at their lives, find their language and understand their story. [www.thesoulscollection.com]

     
  • Nancy Rosenfeld Daly
    Nancy Rosenfeld Daly Nancy Rosenfeld Daly candid author. passionate speaker. peaceful warrior of change.

    Nancy Rosenfeld Daly is a speaker, author, facilitator, and former CFO who merges neuroscience, consciousness, tribal wisdom, and business savvy to ignite discovery and change. [www.nancyrdaly.com]

     
  • Sharyn Wynters
    Sharyn Wynters Sharyn Wynters worldly healer. nutrition advocate. gifted gardener.

    Sharyn Wynters is a naturopath who spends her time deciphering the fears that other doctors have put into people's heads. She's the author of three books in the fields of health and wellness. [www.wyntersway.com]

     
  • Bruce Lipton
    Bruce Lipton Bruce Lipton author. stem cell biologist. bridger.

    Bestselling author Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, is a pioneer in stem cell biology and a leader in the new biology that reveals how the mind controls genes. [www.brucelipton.com]

     
  • Cindi Leive
    Cindi Leive Cindi Leive Editor-in-Chief. Power Woman. Proponent of Fun.

    Cynthia Leive is the editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine. She was named the "Most Powerful U.S. Fashion Magazine Editor" by Forbes. www.glamour.com

     
  • Kevin Bales
    Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

    By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

     
  • Michelle Welsch
    Michelle Welsch Michelle Welsch possibility enthusiast. forward mover. creative renegade.

    Using her psychology background and experiences – in settings as diverse as jails, middle schools, and boardrooms – Michelle Welsch founded Project Exponential, a series of curated networking experiences delighting people into personal growth. [www.projectexponential.com]

     
  • Dmitri Leonov
    Dmitri Leonov Dmitri Leonov father. entrepreneur. abc conceptualist.

    Dmitri Leonov is an entrepreneur working to make the world a better place through technology at Sanebox.com. He spends his free time playing music and thinking about how to make the world a better place in general. [www.leonov.org]

     
  • Ilchi Lee
    Ilchi Lee Ilchi Lee brain educator. mountain meditator. mother earth conduit.

    Educator, innovator, and bestselling author Ilchi Lee has developed many mind-body methods, including Dahn Yoga and Brain Education. He has written 33 books. [www.ilchi.com]

     
  • Evelyn Resh
    Evelyn Resh Evelyn Resh author. depression overcomer. avid listener.

    Evelyn Resh is a writer, sexuality counselor, and nurse-midwife. She does all she can to lead a life filled with laughter, pleasure, and generosity towards others. [www.evelynresh.com]

     
  • Nick Segal
    Nick Segal Nick Segal home finder. businessman. completer.

    Nick Segal is the president of Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage & Acquisitions. [www.thepartnerstrust.com]

     
  • Susan Segal
    Susan Segal Susan Segal tv diva. parenting coach. re-energizer.

    Susan Segal has mastered the art of reinventing herself. She appeared on numerous television shows as an actress and as a lifestyle and fashion reporter. She runs her own parenting classes and combines various methods of child education.

     
  • Tommy Rosen
    Tommy Rosen Tommy Rosen Yoga Teacher. Storyteller. Recovery Expert.

    Tommy Rosen is an expert in addiction and recovery, a gifted storyteller, and a certified yoga teacher. He helps people live more fulfilling, healthier lives.

     
  • Jamila Dawson
    Jamila Dawson Jamila Dawson erotic coach. sexual submissive. body listener.

    Jamila Dawson works on the front lines of pleasure-based sexuality, through personal coaching and workshops. Her focus is on BDSM, polyamory, and erotic Integrity. [www.jamiladawson.com]

     
  • Bridget McManus
    Bridget McManus Bridget McManus laughter inducer. animal lover. good wife.

    Bridget McManus is recognized for her provocative and uninhibited style. She's toured the world as a stand-up comic and appeared in a number of television specials. [www.bridgetmcmanus.com]

     
  • Jonathan Hippensteel
    Jonathan Hippensteel Jonathan Hippensteel goal accomplisher. finish line crosser. adrenaline junkie.

    Jonathan Hippensteel is an Ironman triathlete, adventure traveler, part-time model and full-time banker. His passion is inspiring people primarily by what he does, but also by what he says. [www.linkedin.com/in/jonhipp]

     
  • Angela Dunning
    Angela Dunning Angela Dunning horse partner. contentment holder. inner critic silencer.

    Angela Dunning founded Equine Reflections in 2007 to share her passion for learning life skills through interactions with horses. In addition she writes and dances the Argentine Tango. [www.equinereflections.co.uk]

     
  • Jeff Klein
    Jeff Klein Jeff Klein Author. Conscious Capitalist. Father.

    When not focused on parenting his daughter, Jeff Klein runs Working for Good, a conscious marketing and business development company. He's the author of Working for Good and recently produced the 2010 Catalyzing Conscious Capitalism Summit. [www.workingforgood.com]

     
  • Judith Wright
    Judith Wright Judith Wright educator. lifestyles expert. friendly elevator rider.

    Dr. Judith Wright has been featured on 20/20, Good Morning America and the Today Show. She is a bestselling author, speaker, coach and consultant. [www.judithwright.com]

     
  • Blake Mycoskie
    Blake Mycoskie Blake Mycoskie philanthropist. businessman. shoe giver.

    Blake Mycoskie is the founder and Chief Shoe-Giver of TOMS Shoes. He started the company in 2006 as a means to give shoes to children in need. [www.toms.com]

     
  • Andrew Hessel
    Andrew Hessel Andrew Hessel geneticist. life studier. reevaluator.

    Andrew Hessel is an Autodesk Distinguished Researcher and Singularity University faculty member working to develop and deliver accessible design tools for molecular and living systems. [www.autodeskresearch.com]

     
  • Stephanie Bennett Vogt
    Stephanie Bennett Vogt Stephanie Bennett Vogt environment harmonizer. author. clutter clearer.

    Stephanie Bennett Vogt, MA, is an award-winning author and the founder of SpaceClear, a teaching and consulting practice dedicated to cultivating a clear home and a spacious life. [www.spaceclear.com]

     
  • Michael E. Gerber
    Michael E. Gerber Michael E. Gerber original thinker. entrepreneurial leader. knowledge hunter.

    Over the years, Michael E. Gerber's?companies have helped tens of thousands of small business owners to successfully transform their businesses into world-class operations. [www.michaelegerbercompanies.com]

     
  • Judi Goldfader
    Judi Goldfader Judi Goldfader non-profit philanthropist. delight seeker. curious cat.

    Judi Goldfader is a philanthropy consultant, non-profit strategist, and development advisor with 30 years of professional commitment to social change and social justice. [www.goldfader.com]

     
  • Rick Jacobs
    Rick Jacobs Rick Jacobs chairman. advocate. progressive changer.

    Rick Jacobs is an investor, business executive, and chair of the Courage Campaign, an organizing network that empowers activists to push for progressive change and equality in California and across the country. [www.couragecampaign.org]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)