It's Okay to Laugh

Send us some LOVE!

Have you ever felt guilty for laughing while grieving? That moment when humor breaks through your sorrow, and you wonder if it's okay to smile? Nancy Weil, with over 18 years in grief support, joins us to explore why these moments aren't just okay—they're necessary for healing.

Nancy shares the science behind laughter's healing power during grief: it boosts our depleted immune systems, reduces stress hormones, and improves memory retention when we're struggling with "grief fog." But beyond the physiological benefits, laughter serves as a momentary respite, bringing us into the present when grief typically has us looking backward with regret or forward with fear. As Nancy explains, "When we laugh, we're here now and we get relief for a moment."

The conversation flows naturally into the importance of storytelling and creating rituals. Nancy encourages grievers to collect and share stories about their loved ones—not just the milestone moments, but the small, everyday details that truly capture who they were. These stories become treasured inheritances for future generations and help us process our grief by celebrating the fullness of our loved ones' lives. Similarly, personal rituals—whether visiting a gravesite, baking a favorite recipe, or simply raising a cup of coffee in remembrance—provide meaningful ways to honor our connections.

Throughout the episode, host Kathy shares her own experience of laughing spontaneously during her husband's funeral when a friend placed a cup of Tim Horton's coffee on the podium—a meaningful symbol of their daily ritual together. This moment of unexpected joy amidst profound grief perfectly illustrates Nancy's message: grief contains multitudes of emotions that can coexist, sometimes in the same moment.

Nancy concludes with her motto, "You don't have to grieve alone," and invites listeners to join her free online grief support group. In community, what seems unbearable becomes bearable as we hold space for each other's pain and, sometimes, unexpected moments of joy. 

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
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To Contact  Nancy:
Email: [e-mail]
Website: thelaughacademy.com

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.