Dora The Author: September 2014

A while ago, I bumped into an acquaintance I had not seen for some time. She mentioned that she was going through a grievance in her family.

For her own personal reasons, she could not bring herself to mention it to her colleagues at work, although she suspected they were secretly

discussing her. And it seemed that no one was talking to her or they kept their distance.

She did say that she had been in a sad and depressive state for a long time. I mentioned that maybe those around her had now become too embarrassed to say anything to her.

I told her she was brave to go into work each day and not say anything to anyone. She said she simply could not discuss it. As she continued talking I instinctively broke the conversation and said.

“Do you remember the story about Alex who resigned from his job. He collected a tidy sum of money and gifts from his colleagues, but unknowing to everyone, he changed his mind and decided to stay. He boldly came into work on the Monday morning, sat at his desk and carried on as if nothing had happened. Everyone was talking about him but equally, they were all too embarrassed to ask him what he was doing back at work. He continued coming in day after day and in the end everyone just forgot about it.”

She thought about the incident and burst out laughing. “Oh, yes”. She said. “That was so funny!” Whilst she continued laughing I said. “All you have to do is the same. And after a while, people will just get on with their jobs. Just act like Alex, like nothing happened.” And she laughed again. We talked about how bold Alex was, and each time I mention Alex’s name, she burst out laughing. She laughed until she was crying, and I laughed until I cried too.

I kept mentioning his name and each time we both laughed. Once I was sure that I had ‘anchored’ her in a positive frame of mind, I said. “Well on that note, I shall leave you.”

As I walked off I quickly turned round and said. “Don’t forget; just like Alex.” She spontaneously fell into a fit of laughter, having heard his name again and I could still hear her laughter as I continued walking.

A few days later I saw her again, she came up to me and said “You know, I feel so much better. I just think of Alex and I can’t stop laughing.” I said. “That’s good.”

And I must say, she did indeed look much better and she was more positive too. After that, everything became easy for her.

It just goes to show, laughter is the best medicine.

Best Regards

D. A. Martin

Bestseller Author of Broken Oath