Humor and Healing

Tammie: What ever prompted you to write your first book, "You Never Asked For This!"?

Jo Lee: Part of my recovery and healing process was the essential realization that I needed to share my gifts with others, particularly other patients. I started visiting hospitals and giving out cartoons to patients and staff alike. It was incredibly satisfying for all of us. Small presses started accepting my cartoons for publication. I received phone calls daily from people requesting cartoons.. for a loved one who was ill, for someone who was having a tough time at work, someone going through a divorce or someone who simply needed a smile in their day. The reasons were endless. Because of the whimsical/childlike drawing style of my cartoons, I knew early on I wanted to do a cartoon/coloring book...but I wanted it for adults. We need to reintroduce laughter to our lives and simple pleasures like coloring. The title of my book came from two sources of inspiration, the first, a general comment voiced by many an adult claiming much of what happens to us in this life are "things we never asked for." And most of the time we don't mean that in a positive light. The other source was from a gentleman I never met who received a sampler of my cartoons per a friend's request. He called me and announced, "I sure never asked for these, and I am so glad you sent them!"

Tammie: I loved the coloring book and could immediately appreciate its value to anyone facing an illness, particularly those who are bed ridden and afraid. What kind of response have you been getting from readers?

Jo Lee: The response from readers has been incredible! To see a smile on the face of someone who said "there is nothing to smile about in life" and then to see them get out crayons and chuckle is incredible medicine for both of us. It is also a great motivational factor for me. It makes me draw more cartoons. I find medical personnel and family members are equally "lightened up" with the humor. I often hear "Boy, did I need that!" Children enjoy the cartoons and physicians, therapists and patients are now endorsing the book.

Tammie: You write so beautifully and compellingly about the power of humor, how would you say your own use of humor has served you in your personal life?

Jo Lee: Humor and laughter and the arts have made an amazing difference in my health. When an MRI revealed the pituitary tumor was gone, I was not surprised, I was expecting it! The spinal meningitis ran it's course and has not been invited back, not even for a brief visit! I have some vision loss in my left eye, but I've decided it is temporary. Humor and laughter are incredibly contagious and addictive, so I like to "infect" as many people as I can. One brain tumor patient I counseled told me she felt very awkward and uncomfortable when she decided to start smiling and laughing more. But she noticed the difference in herself and with those around her. Now she tells me it would feel uncomfortable NOT to laugh!

Tammie: What would you say are the most significant differences between the Jo Lee before her illness, and the Jo Lee now?

Jo Lee: Besides a wonderful improvement in my physical health, I have found my emotional and spiritual health have become wonderful allies. I am optimistic, hopeful, enthusiastic and patient with myself and others. My self-esteem has soared upward. I live my day without centering on worry, regrets and guilt. I don't allow the little things to get me down nor overwhelm me. When challenges present themselves, I look for new opportunities and learning. I no longer think we should just count our blessings...we should celebrate them. And of course, I smile and laugh a lot and I pass it on to others. Making a difference in the lives of others has made an incredible difference in my own.

Tammie: What is the primary message that you want to deliver to those who face uncertainties and are discouraged and afraid?

Jo Lee: Life is full of uncertainties and fear, but we can make a choice not to let those events and emotions consume us. If you spend your time regretting the past and worrying about the future, you can not experience nor enjoy the present. I often think about my father's words to me shortly before his death. We were sitting in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania on a clear, starry night. Although I did not know it, the brain tumor was growing in me. I was very unhappy in life and with my work and felt a sense of confusion and anxiety about the future. As he pointed up to the night sky he said," This universe is huge. It's infinite. And you and I are but specks of dust." He paused, then continued," When some people hear that they feel overwhelmed or hopeless or say why bother, what difference does it make? Others, however, hear those same words and say, I'm just a speck of dust but I can make a big difference in myself and the world around me ...and that's one powerful tool!" I smile and say, "Indeed."

next: An Interview with Judith Orloff, M.D.