5 Questions With: Bobbe Lyon

Posted July 9, 2008, 12:19 pm in Alternative by Growing Bolder

For Bobbe Lyon, pain was something she couldn't get rid of.

A widow at 45, she had emotional pain and severe back problems were the cause of her physical pain. The counselor had tried everything with no avail. Her answer, however, unknowingly came in the mail. A brochure about "The Positive Power of Humor and Creativity" caught Lyon's eye, so she swiped her credit card and made her way toward New York.

Not only did she become the Laughing Lyon, but Bobbe also headed to school to be one of the oldest students on campus as she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Counseling.

In 20 years, the Laughing Lyon has brought smiles to the faces of many people dealing with any sort of pain. She's spoken in classrooms, hospitals, churches and police departments -- anywhere a laugh is needed.

She talks with Growing Bolder about how humor became such an important part of her life and answers questions about her past, present and future. To read archived articles from our 5 Questions With series, click here.

1. Your nickname is the "Laughing Lyon." How did that come about?
I call myself the "Laughing Lyon" because I like alliteration and I laugh a lot.

2. You recently continued your education after your husband died. How hard was it to have to start your life over again?
My husband died when I was 45 years old. I had a HS diploma and two teen-agers at home. I had to support myself, but how? I was a stay at home mom. So back to school I went. Math was never my strong suit so after each "beginning algebra" class, I headed to the Math Lab where students the age of my own kids would tutor me. I instinctively kidded around a lot to cover my embarrassment. I didn't know then about the value of humor, but it worked. It worked so well I continued on after earning a B.A. in Journalism to get an M.A. in Counseling. My kids now call me a Psycho-Journalist.

3. What's it like using laughter as medicine?
Laughter is good medicine. Reader's Digest has been saying, "Laughter is the best medicine" for years and now there's actually scientific research to prove it. Personal stories from comedians abound; Danny Thomas said, "Any time I'm feeling down, I use laughter like a prescription." Bob Hope, turning 95, told TV Guide the secret to his longevity, "Laughter is it. Laughter is therapy -- an instant vacation." Medical research, psychoneuroimmunology, backs up the benefits of good humor and positive thinking for good health and a long life.

4. What makes you laugh the most?
What makes me laugh the most is both expected and unexpected humor. Bumper "snickers" and misspelled signs, slips of the tongue for the unexpected. But I set myself up too. I keep my humor glasses on so I can see life through a chuckle. I wouldn't miss the "Daily Show" and I've read all of Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen's books. Movies will do it too. Jack Nicholson couldn't sell "The Bucket List" to any producers (who wants to hear about two old men with Cancer?) until he added humor; then it sold. "Calendar Girls" is another; laughter and tears.

5. How can other people suffering physically or emotionally learn to use laughter as a remedy?
The answer to your last question is, "practice, practice, practice." That's really what my funny business is all about, helping people find ways to lighten up. The 'how' is found in my talk, "The More Things Change -- The More They Stay Insane."

For more information on Bobbe's mission, check out her profile page or click here to listen to her interview on the GB Radio show. And to read archived articles from our 5 Questions With series, click here.

5 Questions With: Bobbe Lyon

Comments

About This Article

Categories