About this quote

Hard times often force us to find something funny just to survive the day. Think about the hysterical, uncontrollable laughter that sometimes hits people at a funeral. That reaction is not a mistake; it is a pressure valve for a brain overloaded with grief. When your own plans fall apart, can you look for the absurd angle instead of spiraling into anger? A quick laugh at a bad situation keeps you from drowning in it.

When to use it

• Your toddler just painted the living room sofa with permanent marker. Instead of screaming, you and your partner burst out laughing at the absolute disaster.
• You lose a major client after weeks of preparation. You crack a joke to your team about how you can finally get a full night of sleep.
• You trip on a curb during your morning run and scrape your knee. You mock your own clumsy landing to the bystander who runs over to help.
• You get a massive, unexpected car repair bill. You joke with your partner that your old sedan is now officially worth less than the air in its tires.