Sunday 8 April 2007

'Stand-Up' for Mental Health

My sincerest apologies to Monty Python, the cast and crew of 'The Life of Brian' and especially Eric Idle.
There have been times in my life that I sang a slightly different version of that much-loved song from Life of Brian. It goes like this: "Always look on the shite side of life...." So overwhelmed by negativity I even twisted the intentions of folks who said to me: "Have a nice day!" Have a nice day? What! Don't tell me what kind of day to have.
These days, I mostly have fun. The thoughts that race through my head, which I sometimes verbalise, usually have positive results. It is so encouraging to go into a shop and see the beaming faces of the staff. I seem to have this ability to make people laugh. ("it's that guy with the funny accent..wonder what he is going to do this time?") I believe I have the potential to be more 'off-the-wall' than the legendary 'Humpty Dumpty.'
Here's a typical situation in my daily life. There I am patiently queuing at the check-out. When it comes to my turn, I place my card in the machine and await the next question. "Would you like cash back sir?" I reply:"That's very kind of you, I think I'll shop here more often!" The smile on their face (well usually) makes my alternative thinking seem all worthwhile.
So you can imagine my surprise when I moved to Britain and was told you need a Televsion Licence. T.V. Licence? So I phoned up the folks that issue the licence. I expressed my numerous worries. I told them I hadn't passed a test and wanted to obtain a provisonal T.V. Licence. So many concerns. Would I need an 'L' sticker on my T.V. screen? As a 'learner watcher', would that mean somebody would have to sit beside me to make sure I understood the rules of the T.V. Licence Test? The lady at the licencing laughed during the entire phonecall. I am proud to say that I passed the test.
I love the situation comedy that is my life. I eagerly await someone telling me that they find great pleasure in racing pigeons. I know I shall ask them: "Racing pigeons? Who wins then? You or the pigeons? ( I guess I thought of that because of all the time I spend cooped up). The next time somebody here asks me about my holiday in Canada. "So how did you find Vancouver?" I shall tell them: "I didn't find Vancouver...I left that up to the pilot."
So I have a fantastic time having a laugh with folks. Too heck with the 'shite' side of life. No more being 'under the moon'. Now it's Fred Flinstone meets Homer Simpson..."Yabba Dabba...Doh!"
I 'stand-up' for Mental Health. Like that old saying goes..'Laughter is the best medicine.'
Kind regards adanac67 ( a guy who always wanted to live in a place named after an onion..so I moved to Leek).

9 comments:

  1. Making people smile is a real gift adanac67 and you have that in abundance.

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  2. You are a very warm and friendly person and you spread alot of happiness wherever you go and the humour you use brings a little bit of pleasure to people who may otherwise be having a crap day. I know you quite well by now and i know the humour often hides a more melancholy side but the fact you challenge that and help other people in the process is a testiment to you my friend! Keep up the good work.

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  3. As always, your blog is written with such openess and sincerity - your inspirational words make me feel that any comment I could make would be unworthy!

    But I can say this - the ability to bring a smile to anothers face and a little sunshine into someones life is a vastly underated talent. Embrace your gift - and know that your blog regularly puts a smile on my face - thanks!

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  4. I so like your sense of humour,your wit and also your sense of fun adanac67
    Honesty, warmth and compassion are also qualities that you have in abundance. Long may you continue to touch people's lives in such a positive way. D x

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  5. hya,

    your posts certainly bring a smile to my face klahanie!

    you have a great sense of humour, which i think is a priceless quality to have!

    i'll look forward to my next laughter workshop installment! ;-)

    purkul
    x

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  6. I have just rediscovered your blogs and wanted to say how inspirational I find all of them. I think there is alot of truth in 'The Happy Medium'. Keep on blogging!

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  7. Hi folks-
    Thank you all ever so much for your support and encouragement. I am getting great therapeutic value out of blogging.
    You are all remarkable people. It is an honour to be part of this sincere,empathetic community.
    May your positive 'batteries' continue to be recharged.
    Warm wishes Gary :-)

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  8. great humour, great writing - I really enjoyed meeting, and working with you a few days back. Keeping on (keeping on) with this brill blog - Tone x

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  9. Hi,
    I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you adanac67, for all your kind, positive and encouraging comments on my blogs. I appreciate and value it a great deal. D x

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.