Allen Klein is known as the world’s only Jollytologist. He explained, “Through my award-winning keynote speeches, writings, and books, I show people how to find and use humor in their challenges, and not-so-funny stuff.”
He helps others, “My message brings a lot of hope, humor, and healing to people. Somehow I think we all know that humor and laughter can help ease our pain but many forget about it. I'm a reminder that this potent therapeutic tool is available to all of us, all of the time.”
Allen explained how humor helped him through a difficult time.
He shared, “My wife, Ellen, lay dying in the hospital, a copy of Playgirl by her side. Suddenly, she opened to the male nude centerfold and insisted it be put on the wall. ‘I think it’s too risqué for the hospital, I said. Nonsense, she replied. Just take a leaf from the plant and cover up the genitals.’ I did as she requested. This worked well for the first and second day. By the third day, however, the leaf started to shrivel and reveal more of what we were trying to conceal. We laughed every time we looked at a plant or a dried-up leaf. It brought us closer together, revived us, and steered us through our sea of darkness.”
His work honors Ellen, “Her passing occurred over 30-years ago. I still feel she is spiritually at every speech I give. I’m honoring her life by passing on her legacy of showing me how to lighten up in troubling times. And by sharing her message that you may be in pain, but you don’t have to suffer. It is humor and laughter that can help us rise above trials, tribulations, and losses, so that we don't suffer.”
In his words, “There is humor in every situation, even in serious illness, dying, and loss. But it may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes we find humor in hindsight. And sometimes people feel guilty when they’re laughing and someone else is grieving or dying.
Both tears and laughter are therapeutic and beneficial. And therefore it is okay to laugh in serious situations as long as we’re not hurting or putting others down.
George Bernard Shaw said, ‘Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.’ Perhaps he said it best!”
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