Thrive Boldly: The Healing Power of Humor: Lessons from My Grandfather

I’ll never forget my grandfather’s ultra-wicked sense of humor—he could find a punchline in almost anything. Johnny Carson was the late night staple in his world, and comedy shows were the gold standard. (Who didn’t absolutely love Rodney Dangerfield, Louie Anderson, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin and that whole irreverent 70’s/80’s crew? We were all in - swearing be damned.) Life threw him some serious curveballs, hell, it didn’t just throw him a few lemons—it hailed down a whole bloody orchard - but he always faced them with a wit sharp enough to make you laugh through the toughest moments.

One of the most unforgettable examples came after he had both of his legs amputated due to complications from diabetes. The doctor came in to check on him, likely expecting a serious conversation about recovery and future mobility. But my grandfather, with a twinkle in his eye, flipped the script. When asked, “How are you doing?” he deadpanned:

“Well, you know those 40 pounds you always wanted me to lose?” (Bah dum dum chi)

That moment taught us something profound—humor isn’t just a coping mechanism; it’s medicine. It doesn’t just lighten the load, it helps us carry it.

Humor is more than just a way to make light of life’s difficulties. It’s deeply rooted in our neurobiology, with real healing potential for both the body and the brain.

Here’s how:

The Neurobiology of Laughter

Today, science confirms what my grandfather lived: humor is deeply rooted in our biology, with real healing power. Laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol, boosts mood-elevating neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins, strengthens the immune system, and improves heart health. It’s a full-body reset button—one joke at a time.

When we laugh, the brain releases a powerful mix of feel-good chemicals, including endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers. These not only lift our mood but also ease pain and calm the nervous system, offering true physiological relief.

Laughter also activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, complex decision-making, and social behavior. In essence, humor engages our higher thinking while softening emotional tension. When my grandfather cracked that legendary line after losing both legs, he wasn’t making light of his experience—he was reframing it. His humor became a form of resilience, preserving his dignity and giving him a sense of control in the face of something incredibly difficult.

Healing Through Humor

In times of hardship, humor can be a powerful tool for reframing pain and reclaiming perspective. It creates a bridge between the head brain (logic) and the heart brain (emotion), giving us a way to express vulnerability without losing our dignity. My grandfather’s humor wasn’t just a coping mechanism—it was a declaration: “I’m still here. I still have a choice in how I respond.”

And the gut brain—the seat of instinct and emotion—benefits too. Laughter activates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and enhancing digestion. It reduces stress hormones, supports microbiome balance, and brings the body back into a state of ease. In this way, humor becomes a whole-self intervention. It touches the head, the heart, and the gut—restoring connection, regulation, and even joy.

Humor as a Lifelong Coping Tool

What my grandfather taught us wasn’t just how to laugh through tough times—it was how to build resilience with humor as our foundation. Humor doesn’t dismiss pain or struggle; it gives us the strength to coexist with them, to face them with both courage and compassion. His humor was a reminder that no matter how heavy life becomes, we always have the choice to lighten the load with a hearty laugh. It was his way of showing us that we can not only survive through hardship—but even thrive because of it.

Grandpa's Favorite Comfort Meal: Hearty Vegetable Spaghetti Dinner

To honor my grandfather’s spirit, I’m sharing one of his favorite meals—a hearty vegetable spaghetti sauce. He loved to sit down to a big plate of pasta, and this version is as nourishing for the body as it is for the soul. This meal, paired with a Serbian or Croatian drink, is my way of bringing a taste of the past back to life.

Hearty Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce with Healthy Noodles

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, grated

• 1 zucchini, grated

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

  
  

  My Grandfather’s Twist (for the meat lovers):

  While my grandfather wasn’t a vegetarian, he loved a hearty sauce. To his spaghetti, he would add a mix of ground beef, ground turkey, and ground pork—three types of meat to make it truly filling and flavorful.

  
  

  Healthy Noodles:

• You can use gluten-free, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or whole wheat pasta for a more nutrient-dense option. My grandfather would have stuck to the pasta noodles out of the box - always a good choice.

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft.

3. Add the carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve over your favorite healthy noodles, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!

Drink Pairing: Balkan Kompot Recipe (to honor my grandfather's Balkan heritage)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed fresh or dried fruit (apples, pears, plums, cherries, or peaches are great options)

• 4 cups water

• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste, depending on the sweetness of the fruit)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for warmth)

• 2-3 cloves (optional, for added flavor)

• A slice of lemon (optional, for a bit of tang)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: If using fresh fruit, wash and chop the fruit into large pieces. For dried fruit, simply rinse it under water to remove any preservatives. The fruit can be mixed and matched based on your preferences and what’s in season.

2. Boil the Fruit: In a large pot, combine the water, fruit, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

3. Simmer: Once the liquid starts boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the fruit is softened and the flavors are infused. Taste and add more sugar if needed.

4. Cool and Serve: Let the Kompot cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if you prefer it cold. Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing drink.

5. Optional Garnishes: For extra flavor, you can add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint before serving.

Mantra:

“As life flows, so does laughter. In every moment, find joy, find strength, and embrace the sweetness of life.”

Music for the Mood:

To set the mood, try some Balkan folk music—lively and full of heart. Artists like Goran Bregović or Balkan Beat Boxcan bring a joyful and uplifting vibe to the atmosphere, reflecting the rich, vibrant culture that your grandfather would have cherished.