Have you ever felt like something that once brought you joy was turned against you? For Noreen Braman, laughter was once a source of pain—but it ultimately became her greatest tool for healing.
When Laughter Hurts
As a child, Noreen was naturally joyful, always smiling and laughing. But after the death of her father at just 23 years old, her home life changed drastically. Laughter, which had once been a symbol of happiness, became a weapon of control.
One of the most painful moments came when she expressed her childhood dream of becoming a singer. Her family encouraged her to sing into a tape recorder, but mid-song, her stepfather interrupted: “With a voice like that, you’re dead already.” The room erupted in laughter. From that moment, laughter became something she feared.
For years, anytime she heard people laugh, she assumed they were laughing at her. She struggled with depression and even contemplated suicide. Her story could have ended there—but it didn’t.
The Turning Point
In high school, Noreen met a band instructor, Mario DeCarolis, who changed her life. He was always laughing, always kind, and always welcoming. He noticed that she would leave the room whenever laughter filled the space. One day, he asked her why.
“You’re laughing at me,” she said.
“No, I’m laughing with you,” he replied.
That moment planted a seed. Over time, she began to see laughter differently, but it wasn’t until years later that she fully embraced it.
Reclaiming Laughter as a Tool for Healing
Years later, while working in the mental health field, Noreen’s boss handed her a fax (yes, a fax!) about a training program called Laughter Yoga.
“I have no idea what this is,” he said, “but you’re the right person for it.”
That moment set off fireworks in her mind. She discovered that laughter wasn’t just entertainment—it was a healing practice. Science backed it up: laughter releases endorphins, reduces stress, and builds resilience.
She took the training, started leading laughter workshops, and even studied the psychology of humor at Rutgers. What once caused her pain became her mission. Today, she helps people heal through laughter, proving that even after deep trauma, joy is still possible.
How Laughter Can Help You Heal
* Laughter is a natural stress reliever. It releases feel-good chemicals that stay in your system long after you stop laughing.
* You don’t need jokes to laugh. Laughter Yoga teaches that simply making laughter sounds can trigger the same brain response.
* It builds resilience. Even in difficult times, laughter can help us shift our mindset and move forward.
* It’s contagious! Surround yourself with people who bring you joy, and notice how your mood changes.
You Are More Resilient Than You Think
Noreen’s story reminds us that our past does not define us. We all have painful experiences, but we also have the power to rewrite our stories.
If you’re struggling, take a moment to reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome. What strengths did you show? What moments of joy have carried you through? Healing is a journey, and sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.
Ready to reclaim your joy? Start by watching a funny video, reconnecting with a friend who makes you laugh, or even trying a laughter exercise on your own. Your brain—and your heart—will thank you.
✨ Connect with Noreen Braman: Visit her website:
https://njlaughter.mailchimpsites.com/ to learn more about her workshops, books, and how laughter can transform your life.
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A Reminder for You
If you’re struggling right now, remember this: You’ve already survived 100% of your hardest days. Take it one small step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
About the Creator
Chitra Rochlani is a Wellness Coach, Speaker, and best-selling author of TheWarrior Mindset: 7 Mindset Shifts to Unleash Your Inner Warrior.
She’s on a mission to help her clients eliminate stress and loneliness, feel more aligned, and live a life of fulfillment and passion.
As a medium and intuitive healer, she educates and empowers her clients to tap into their most underutilized superpower—their intuition—to navigate their lives and make WINx3 decisions.
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