Like everyone else, I enjoy taking pictures to capture moments, especially with family and friends. You can look back and remember, who was there? What was the venue, and what was the event?
Even now, in the technological age, we live in electronic pictures, texting, etc. I still enjoy getting pictures printed and hanging them in my spaces, as well as giving the pictures to those in the pictures.
Fernando Alva is a great friend of mine from Guilford College. Fernando, along with my other college buddies, and I have been friends for 30 years already. It’s unbelievable.
Way back in college instead of just standing there smiling at the camera, Fernando started encouraging us to pretend like we just heard the funniest joke ever. People would grab their stomachs as if they were belly laughing or throw their heads back, acting as if they were hysterically laughing! When the pictures were finally developed, we literally would laugh out loud because it looked as if we were laughing uncontrollably. This added to the excitement of the moment when we took the pictures. It also adds to the memory and of course, brings smiles to everyone around us.
This tradition stuck with many of my friends, especially me. I love it. I started doing it with my family and friends and even dipping into my professional life at school, as a motivational speaker and author.
After I take a few formal pictures with people together, I introduce the concept of the laughing picture. People initially think it’s weird, but then they do it, and they love the result. In today’s world, we can look at the phone right away, producing laughter and smiles. Then, of course, when we share the pictures, people say, “Oh my goodness, you were having so much fun! Oh my god, what happened?” What was the joke, and you share the laughter.
I absolutely love it. Look at some of these examples.
Here is one from my friend Nicole, a parent in my district. I’ve done the laughing picture with all three of her children over the years. She posted this years later. I loved it!
Here I am with the awesome members of NYSCOSS, The NY State Council of School Superintendents, at their conference last year.
I share this concept with you and hope that you take it and make it your own. Bring a smile to enjoy with people around you. It’s a tool for inspiration and simple joy. Life is short. Enjoy it. While formal pictures are important and people need them and enjoy them much, I prefer the laughing picture. Try to enjoy the journey, and laugh and smile along the way.
Keep smiling and keep laughing and certainly keep surviving and thriving. If I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta21 on Twitter/X!
Here are the Marottas in the “Italian Jackets” for a family gathering!
