(DISCLAIMER FROM RANDI’S LAWYER: SHE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR ‘INSPIRED’ BY THIS TITLE.)

I know I should never take my own personal philosophy from a fictional psycho/sociopath….but there is a point to be made with that one simple question.

People feel passionately about politics, religion, and human rights–issues that directly impact lives. People should feel strongly about quality of life and where we, all of humankind, are going.

But some people, who tend to have extreme characteristics in their nature, take everything about themselves and the causes so near and dear to their heart far too seriously. I think that particular brand of people are going to end up bitter and “mentally” old before their time. My message for the day is this: It’s perfectly natural to look at social and personal quanderies through the lens of humor, to dissect the problem with joviality, and to serve up an observation with a peppering of good-natured and appropriate comedy.

I should know because I was once a “serious” person, who was well on the path to bitterness and complete misery. I still am a serious and earnest person, to some extent, but I’ve learned that laughing and trying to find something humorous in a given issue or situation actually helps me cope with life’s annoying curveballs.

Humor is a powerful tool. Use laughter to persuade rather than harsh, derogatory words. You’ll find it works. (But don’t ask me to be funny; I’m only hilarious unintentionally!)

On a personal note….This week has kicked my ass, wrote my name on it, then kicked it some more. I need this weekend. I need it to recuperate what is left of my energy and sanity….Damn rat race.