It's All Written...and in black and white

The photos shared today really have nothing to do with my posted thoughts on the subject of laughter, but I am gonna share anyway.   They might wake up your dopamine!

I worked many years at a psychiatric facility before Bud retired, and very often study my antiquated DSM manual (a diagnostic book of mental health disorders...and NO, I'm not referring to anyone blogging so don't misconstrue my train of thought). Afterwards, I also texted my boss from many years ago and specifically asked her, her opinion on joking about current events & covid19. [she is a now  retired psychiatrist in Colorado and over time we remained in contact and friendship is continuing] She said in so many words "By all means, laugh and keep the stress this is causing us around the globe at a minimum". That made me feel better about the subject.  She also suggested I do some reading when I find time.   I then went out online and did some research on my own and found this from an expert:

Humor is essential, even — or especially — in tough times. Shared laughter gives us strength in adversity and can help us feel a bit more in control when the future looks uncertain. Most important, funny jokes — even funny coronavirus jokes — bring us together and help us to feel connected.  It's even proven to be beneficial to dopamine.

So, we all may agree  joking is one of those essentials for us.

PS...I had to further my knowledge and looked up dopamine:
  
Dopamine. Dopamine is known as the feel-good neurotransmitter—a chemical that ferries information between neurons. The brain releases it when we eat food that we crave or while we have sex, contributing to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction as part of the reward system.

I'm all for "feeling pleasure" and rewards if it's even through laughter.  Sit, stay, roll over!  That's a good girl!  Okay, I am expecting my reward?!!!  Indeedy!


- - - * * *- - -

Now, a tale of two sisters:

I was talking to my sister just yesterday.  She called to see how I was doing; that she was concerned.  
"How are you little sis?"  she asked right off the bat...
"I'm doing pretty well, it's too hot to move!"
a bit of a silent  pause from her side of the receiver...
then, she sighed audibly ..."Have you seen a doctor yet?"
My turn to be silent now!!
"A doctor?  Why would I see a doctor?"
My sister nearly interrupted me before the word doctor came out of my mouth!
..."You said you were sick with the virus" she blurted!
I started giggling, and finally choked it out...
"No no no.  I didn't say I was sick!!!  I said I had a case of Corona."