The Love and Laughter Society

I just received sweetest email passed on to me from the Salt Lake Tribune. I never know how something I write will go across; if people will ‘get’ what I’m saying. The last time I had a piece in the Trib the feedback I received was “Why didn’t you give the homeless guys a $20?” (Haven’t I already proven I’m not a quick thinker?)

I hesitate to share this because it I feel self-promoting, but Wendy is such a funny, expressive writer and her words are more inspiring than anything I’ve ever written.

Hi Michelle. I never read the paper, but we were traveling on Sunday so I grabbed the Tribune and was so glad I did! Your article was really touching. I moved to Utah about 20 years ago from Los Angeles and have always been amazed at how beautiful the women are here. I remember many years ago taking my son to the park to play. I was wearing grubby sweats and no makeup. I was pushing Matthew on the swing and noticed the other mothers… they were perfect… hair done, makeup, skinny, yada yada yada. I felt like crap, and went right to shower (although I think I probably drowned my sorrows in a gallon of ice cream first). I soon found myself depressed and getting fatter. Then I discovered Prozac. I don’t really know if it was the pressure to look good or just the pressures of life, kids, a crappy divorce etc that pushed me to the edge, but nevertheless I found myself there. Anyway, to make a long story short… I got re-married, discovered exercise, started to feel better about myself and am now teaching Tae Bo to about 40-50 women down here in Springville. I try to give them little motivators along the way to help them love themselves for who they are, and your article pushed it to a new level. I made copies for everyone and started a new movement… I called it the Love and Laughter Society. I made little cards for each of them to carry in their wallet. I attached a copy for you. Anway, I used a quote from you in the card and just want to make sure that it is okay with you. I know this sounds a little dumb (my husband says this is so girly that it sucks away his testosterone), but I’m hoping that it will remind them to be a little nicer to themselves and not feel the need to compare their weeknesses to others. So…. you are definitely an honorary member. And anyone can belong…. If you ever want to come down and speak to my little group or just take a kick butt Tae Bo class, you are always welcome. Just beware that I have converted lots of “former” runners. 🙂 Thanks again. Wendy

Love and Laughter Society

Our goal is to be happy. We will not speak poorly of our physical appearance but will be grateful for the wonderful body that God has given us. We will be physically active and eat healthy so that we can feel good physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Through our example and positive outlook we will help others to feel good about themselves also. We will remember that the “bulges and wrinkles and gray hair are the rewards of life and love and laughter.”