We don’t laugh enough, and our body is actually waiting for us to release healing chemicals through laughter. Endorphins are “…hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect” (Endorphins definition). Laughter is a natural pain killer; it strengthens the heart, wards off disease, tones your abs, boosts immunity, decreases blood pressure, banishes stress, and helps those suffering from depression” (Laughter info).

In November 2022, at 71 years old, I became pregnant with the book, Stuck In My Gut: A Belly Full of Laughs. I delivered the rough draft in three days, two of which I spent traveling for the funeral of my mentor. I am so THANKFUL for this opiate of laughter. I trust you will embrace the quotes, illustrations, and snippet summaries that will forever live in my memory and on the written page.

You have my permission to LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF AGAIN AND AGAIN. LAUGH TO YOUR HEALTH. I lift the glass and TOAST TO OUR HEALTH.