I got the funniest email from Gretchen McFarland one of our Summer School attendees.

Sooo… Please convey to your best buddy, Scott Bourne, that exactly 30 seconds after I posted his “Jump. and the net will appear” quote on my Facebook status ( to encourage a friend in need) – I fell and broke 5 bones in my thumb and hand… LOL- (good drugs!) But please let him know that I will not be taking any of his life advice anymore!!! Photography advice is another story… as I peck away (1 fingered on my pink Mac!)   Still love you guys!
 
Gretchen, you simply made me laugh when I read your email, but it also reminded me that life is simply too short not to work your smile muscles more often.   There’s been a battle for years over the saying, “It takes more muscles to frown than to smile!”  Look that one up on Google and you’ll be buried in discussions between a lot of scientists trying to prove that it’s a myth, but the only thing they’ve proven is that they’ve got way too much time on their hands!
 
However, if you look at our industry and think about the people you enjoy most, I’m willing to bet they’re all pretty optimistic!  They’re all smiles and always look at the positive side of life and their business.  They all have a sense of humor.   
 
One of my favorites is this spoof on print judging:
 
The industry is filled with practical jokes and stories that get a little more embellished each time they’re told, but the bottom line is that you’ve got to have a sense of humor to be in business today.  Even more important is having a sense of humor when being a photographer and working with the public.
 
Laughter truly is the best medicine and while it won’t get your business out of the dumps by itself, having a healthy outlook and a sense of humor sure does help you focus on more creative solutions!
 
We’ve got Bill Cosby to thank for this one…
 
“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers.  And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.”