title: Breakaway Laughter: How to Lighten Up Despite it All
author:  Nan L. Crockett 
description: A sense of humor can truly save the day! -- <i>Current Book Picks by Jim Agnew, August 2005</i><br /><br />Crockett illustrates silver-lining principles that guide her and her clients through life's dark clouds [and] inspires us to laugh. -- <i>Chicago Tribune, June 2005</i><br /><br />Delightful, witty . . . Nan is Everywoman and, as with Erma Bombeck, we all can groan, smile, and relate. -- <i>Belleruth Naparstek, psychotherapist, author, and creator of the Health Journeys audio series</i><br /><br />Stress management expert Crockett will have you laughing even as you're commiserating. [Learn to] laugh at yourself [and] redefine "normal." -- <i>Your Life magazine, August 2005</i><br /><br />This book delivers on its promise! -- <i>Christiane Northrup, M.D. and best-selling author</i><br /><br />Thoroughly "reader friendly," insightful, practical, and especially recommended reading for anyone at any age coping with life and family stresses. -- <i>Midwest Book Review, June 2005</i><br /><br />Thought provoking and personal at the same time. Easy application to the workplace as well as to family life. -- <i>Kevin J. Pokorny, Pokorny Consulting</i><br /><br />[Crockett is] a talented wit and raconteur [who] leaves her readers smitten with mirth and free of stress... -- <i>John Goodspeed, The Star Democrat</i><br /><br />[Crockett shows] that the answer to your misery might just be a giggle, guffaw, chortle, chuckle or snicker away. -- <i>Des Moines Register, July 25, 2005</i>
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  # [Chapter One](content-toc.xhtml#pz6-1_a)
  
  
  
  
  
  “Oh no you didn’t!” I stared at myself on the screen. I sounded like a leaf
  blower—loud, obnoxious and one-note. I covered my ears. I shut my eyes. I
  decided to throw myself out the window.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Cut the drama,” said Marnie, peeling my hands away from my ears. “You look
  amazing. And you sound great.”
  
  
  
  
  
  I opened one eye. I did look okay. Black T-shirt, holes in my jeans, black
  eyeliner strategically smudged. Then I heard myself stretching for the high
  note. “Oh god,” I moaned. “Turn it off.”
  
  
  
  
  
  “You are so overreacting, Stell.” Marnie hit _Pause_ on the YouTube video.
  
  
  
  
  
  “It’s my worst nightmare. If I’d had any idea you were going to do this, I
  would never have let you record me.”
  
  
  
  
  
  “But Stell. The video is _awesome_.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Marnie is my oldest friend. Maybe my only friend. But she has l