I only have to look at people who are in desperate straits to realize that writing stories is a straight-up luxury. I try to honor this opportunity by attending to my make-believe with utter seriousness.
When put in perspective, the supposed nobility of “being disciplined” and “working long hours” on my keyboard aren’t that impressive. I’ve been extremely blessed with the time, talent, and opportunity to do what I do, and I’m trying not to waste it.
While reading your “Musing,” I thought of a quote of an author (whose name escapes me and Googling the quote didn’t help) that says, “I would never write about someone who wasn’t at the end of their rope.”
Humorous distractions actually reduce suffering.
https://www.livescience.com/18361-distraction-reduces-pain.html
But the person suffering must have access to the distraction. Some of the people you have observed are suffering by thinking and recalling hurtful events and toxic people. Even if they are experiencing physical pain, distraction helps.
Everyone knows some of these sufferers. Ask them to pass on your funniest work to those in pain.
Great points about the value of humor and distraction or diversion. It is definitely nice to see some good writing on the blogosphere. It is nice to see people using humor, even in suffering, because that is the best way to get through stuff–mentally, psychologically, which is a huge part of the battle.
There are lots of good diversions outside of reading too, which all depend upon a persons style and tastes. I like adventure in the outdoors and physical activity myself.
Yes, those of us who have the freedom and means to do what we love are truly blessed.
It’s a good thing to stop and take a look at where you are and the “blessings” you have. It reminds you not to take things for granted, and in my case, gave me the clarity to recognize the pending loss of one of those things (I had a really good job with good pay and perks). My experience was such that appreciating the “blessing” while I had it and being aware of the pending loss was much easier to deal with than taking something for granted and having it “ripped” away “unexpectedly”.
Taking stock of the good things in your life and being thankful tempers the pride and the fun attained from those good things into a much deeper meaning that you can carry with you through tougher times.
Kent Wayne 
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