It's All In the Meaning

My ex-husband Richard, who I affectionately called Dick, used to get very upset when I said the "F" word. Dick, didn't mind when I "f***ed" him, he just didn't want me to say it. He said it wasn't ladylike. As if I was ever a lady.

Anyway it got me thinking. Which is scary, although I am a legend in my own mind. It got me thinking. The "F" word is not bad or dirty by itself, it is the meaning we give it.

For instance let's suppose that the "F" word meant what the word church means and vica versa.

So you might ask your friend if "he was going to "F***" on Sunday." Or you might tell your sister that she "should go to hear the great preacher at "F***." Or a survey would find that 40% of the American population goes to "F***" every Sunday.

The opposite would also be interesting. If you were really angry at someone you would say, "Well church you." Or, "I churched her brains out last night." Kids would get into big problem if they used the "C" word but saying f*** would be considered okay and very good if you went to f*** on Sunday.

It really isn't the word, it is the meaning that gets us into trouble.

So if you don't like it, well CHURCH YOU!

And so as the little boy answered when asked what part of him was hurt when he fell on the slippery floor, "The End."

Ways of Bringing Laughter into the Workplace

1. Have a "Thanks in Advance" party for an employee on the day he/she joins the organization.
2. Celebrate employees birthdays.
3. Put together a "stress support kit" that can be handed out (or requested) by an employee under pressure or stress. Contents could include comedy CD's or DVD's, books, candy, chewing gum, a small dartboard, worry beads, etc.
4. Put up a "humor board" in the office where people can pin up cartoons, jokes, etc.
5. Have a weekly or monthly humor contest where people for $1 or $2, can submit a joke or cartoon, and everyone in contest votes on them and the winner gets the money.
6. From the humor contest keep a "Humor Book" where all the jokes and cartoons can be kept.
7. Have an actual "Stress Relief Station," which can be a room or corner at work where the employee can to listen to comedy CD's, or read funny books, paint, draw, play with clay, or just come to laugh.
8. Encourage each other to establish or take a "Call in Well day," where people can take time to seriously enjoy themselves.

Jana Ruth author of http://www.janaruth.biz/

http://laughingworld.blogspot.com

Author of "Laugh and Live Happier: P.L.A.Y.S. for Life