#healingpoweroflaughter

[marksmusingsuk]

The Power of Comedy: Finding Light in the Darkness

Laughter has an incredible way of lifting the soul, especially when life feels heavy. I’ve always known that comedy can be a great escape, but last night, I truly felt its power in a way that reminded me why it’s so important.

I had the privilege of seeing John Shuttleworth live with a loyal and supportive friend of over 25 years, and I can honestly say it was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t just about the jokes or the music—it was the shared experience of laughter, the kind that sneaks up on you and has you crying with joy. For a couple of hours, any worries or low feelings melted away, replaced by pure, simple fun.

Life can be unpredictable, and no matter how strong or positive I try to be, there are days when I feel low. In those moments, it’s easy to withdraw and let the weight of my thoughts settle in. But last night reminded me that laughter isn’t just a distraction—it’s a form of release.

Looking around the room, I realised that every person there was laughing for their own reasons. Many of them had probably had a tough day, a hard week, maybe even a difficult year or life. Yet, for that time, we were all connected by humour, sharing something uplifting. Comedy has this incredible way of uniting people, no matter what they’re going through. In that moment, it didn’t matter what worries or burdens we had walked in with—what mattered was that we were laughing together, and that in itself felt like healing.

John Shuttleworth’s dry wit and quirky charm were the perfect antidote. His observations on everyday life, set to his unmistakable keyboard melodies, had the entire audience in stitches. And as I sat there laughing, I realised how important these moments are—how they bring people together, lift spirits, and create memories that linger far beyond the final punchline.

A good laugh can take the edge off even the heaviest thoughts, making things feel a little less overwhelming. Sharing laughter with a friend deepens bonds and reminds me that I’m not alone. Sometimes, all it takes is one comedy gig, one funny film, or one ridiculous joke to break the cycle of negativity and inject some much-needed joy.

I’m incredibly grateful for my friend, who knew exactly what I needed and made last night happen. Having someone who understands, who encourages moments of joy even when I might not seek them myself, is something I don’t take for granted.

Leaving the venue, I felt lighter. The worries I walked in with hadn’t magically disappeared, but they seemed smaller, less consuming. That’s the power of comedy. It doesn’t solve everything, but it gives you a break, a breather, a moment to remember that joy still exists—even on the hard days.

So, when life feels heavy, I’ll remind myself of last night. I’ll seek out laughter, surround myself with people who lift me up, and remember that sometimes, the best therapy is a keyboard-playing comic and a room full of people laughing together.