The Power of Laughter

A Key Ingredient for a Vibrant Third Act

Author

Cara Gray
February 19, 2025

Dear Friends,

As we celebrated the milestone 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of laughter in our lives, especially as we enter our Third Act. Last Sunday’s televised celebration was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a testament to the enduring impact of humor on our culture and our well-being.

I have written before about the power of nostalgia, so you may want to revisit that post, but the SNL 50 Celebration was a fantastic view in the review mirror. I especially enjoyed scanning the audience, full of celebrities and comic royalty! If you didn’t catch it, the entire 3 hour show is available on Peacock and many clips are on YouTube.

The Benefits of Laughter as We Age

Laughter isn’t just a fleeting moment of joy; it’s a potent elixir for both mind and body. As we navigate the next chapter of our lives, incorporating more laughter can:

1. Boost our immune system
2. Reduce stress and lower blood pressure
3. Release endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals
4. Improve cognitive function and memory
5. Foster social connections and combat isolation

Research consistently shows that individuals who maintain a sense of humor and seek out opportunities for laughter tend to have a more positive outlook on life, better coping mechanisms, and even increased longevity.

Lorne Michaels: A Beacon of Third Act Vitality

Speaking of longevity, we can’t discuss SNL without acknowledging the remarkable Lorne Michaels. At 80 years old, Michaels continues to helm one of television’s most influential and enduring institutions. His journey exemplifies the potential for ongoing creativity, relevance, and impact well into our later years.

According to a recent New York Times article, Michaels shows no signs of slowing down. His continued leadership of SNL serves as an inspiration for those of us designing our Third Act. Michaels demonstrates that age is no barrier to innovation, mentorship, and maintaining a finger on the pulse of popular culture.

Michaels’ legacy extends far beyond SNL. He has nurtured generations of comedic talent, shaped the landscape of American comedy, and proven that one’s later years can be a period of continued growth and influence. His ability to stay relevant and adaptive in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape is a masterclass in Third Act living.

Cultivating Laughter in Your Third Act

As we design our own Third Acts, let’s take a cue from SNL and Lorne Michaels. Here are some ways to infuse more laughter into your life:

• Attend live comedy shows or improv performances
• Host movie nights featuring your favorite comedies
• Join or start a laughter yoga group
• Surround yourself with friends who share your sense of humor
• Try your hand at stand-up comedy or humorous writing

This week there are no additional resources, but I am sharing my favorite Saturday Night Live Sketch 🤣 RIP Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley.

💡 Remember, laughter is a skill that can be cultivated. By actively seeking out humor and maintaining a lighthearted perspective, we can enhance our quality of life and create a Third Act filled with joy, connection, and vitality.

As we raise a toast to 50 years of SNL, let’s also celebrate the power of laughter in our own lives. After all, a life well-lived is one filled with moments that make us smile, chuckle, and sometimes laugh until our sides ache.

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to your third act/the next chapter in your life ✨

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara

P.S.S. If you are curious about my consulting work, there are two options to work with me: deep-dive, transformative 1:1 consulting or a 90-minute intensive, quickstart session. Details about both options can be found here.