Laugh at Your Misery and Fear

[@benitomaldonado7080]

To quote a movie " when death smile at you all a warrior can do is smile right back " . Gladiator

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+BENITO MALDONADO love it

[@knuckledragger69]

This dark sense of humor is a wonderful thing. Not only is it important on a personal level, as a means of coping with adverse conditions; it also is crucial to the morale and efficiency of the team. It does, however, tend to make those who possess it (military, police, fire, EMS, etc.) fit rather awkwardly in normal society. More than once, I have joked about something that most people found gross, horrific, or inappropriate in some way. My wife frequently tells me, "Jim, you know that line you're not supposed to cross in polite society? It's BEHIND YOU NOW." As a side note, your kids eventually "pick up on" your dark sense of humor and start laughing at and joking about stuff that is decidedly NOT funny, as well. Sarcasm and good natured abuse are staples of our family interaction.

[@marksteele1023]

Jim Aldridge brother could not agree more, and I will quote the words of a bad ass infantry sgt....”steele if you’re not laughing at this shit you’ll be fuckin cryin”

[@tom_olofsson]

Very nice perspective. Happiness is not about what happens to us. Happiness is about how we react to what happens to us.

[@YurrNext]

Agreed, Laughter and joking is the ultimate coping mechanism in a stressful environment.

[@claireelliot6846]

If you take your shit too seriously your shit will get fucked up. Favorite line I took from a buddy in the Marines

[@ericjohanson806]

+John Lovell graveyard humor, laughing at darkness, is letting go of all that's wrong that we can't control. Misery & pain aren't the true source of fear. Pride & indignation that our plans & expectations go awry is the true source. When we put down that burden, our load is lightened, our spirits are raised, and our courage is freed. We are not strong enough to make the world as it should be. When we realize that, put down our pride, we make room for Grace to lift us to our task. Thank you for your example.

[@donaldgonzales2237]

...love the Wisdom ...must be from Christ the only Perfect Warrior and Poet ,...His Poetry Alone will stand ...forever ...

[@lionheart2211]

I love to hear stories of boot camp and training stories that are funny "afterwards". Thanks to those that have served.

[@TheTacoBandit1]

This guys attitude is truly inspiring. 👍

[@mdub1955]

Something of which each of us holds 100% equity is our pain. Nobody can take it from us, and we cannot give it away. Own it... sounds a little nutty perhaps, but make it your friend. I was taught that mindset by my father +50 years ago. It has served well in the tests of life.

[@regulardudeasdefinedbyscie3454]

I've been blessed in my life to be a father and husband. I think it is an awesome responsibility and an honor. As I teach and guide my children to be honest, hardworking, brave and courageous. Your life philosophy is spot on. My son wrestles and plays football. I teach him we stand for those who cant stand for themselves. We protect and provide as men. We are compassionate to others. A warrior is a gentleman. Thank you for these videos. I've shared a couple with my son. I hope we as a society can start to make doing the right thing the cool thing.

[@willjames1630]

I believe CS Lewis say something like, "The devil can't stand it when you laugh at him." Great video - some of your stories had me cracking up!

[@oregonoutback7779]

Excellent video John. My Grandfather use to tell us kids "It's not what happens to you in life, it's what you choose to do about it". I've had the opportunity to pass this along to a few lost souls, wallowing in their own misery. Laughter really is the best medicine.

[@andrewfeldman3334]

I've been going through the motions lately and then found out my grandmother went to heaven this morning. This was another great video John. I love all your videos. Thanks.

[@leespencer4595]

Andrew Feldman I

[@worldfamousgi86]

A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Pr. 17:22

[@blakescott9931]

Brilliant. Helping me get through heart surgery. Anesthesia didn't work but I laughed all the way through

[@spetersen634]

So true, a good attitude is such a game changer, and humor is a short cut.

[@shoxroxice]

When I was younger, I used to get so upset when I got called by a ref for a foul during a game. My brother's friend was able to convince me that you just gotta laugh about it and move on. That small piece of wisdom helped me to be one of the best performing players out there. This video is gold.

[@thedreamteam4u]

so you literally saved my life tonight....I watched this video earlier today and it brought back memories of green platoon.., on the way home tonight in not work truck 2 huge hull moose jumped out in front of my truck... at the last second I cut the wheel and killed them both crushing my truck... I got out and I'm freaking out but then I started laughing ... when the cops came and asked me if I wanted both the moose I said sure because it's not blood shot it's pre-tenderized! it totally calmed me down..I'm dontating one to the food bank...thank you for the help....

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Ha! Glad you are alright man

[@thedreamteam4u]

it reminded me of doing an airfield seizure on grey/Lewis and I landed in the parking lot of the px...I had to run with chute and ruck back to ranger ramp on the other side of the airfield...all to greeted by 2/75 csm and my CSM playing gate guard ..... I thought man ive got to get on target in time then boom...I'll I could do is laugh and the pain that came next.... just when I had such high hopes....

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Hahaha. Yeah that sucks

[@ednutter7653]

"It's already been 'grilled'...", I said after hitting the 4th deer.

[@thedefinitive6296]

I've never been in the military or law enforcement or anything where my life was on the line, but I've definitely faced some hardships along with my family. I've always been the one to be able to find the humor in whatever horrible and seemingly insurmountable problem we were facing. I've seen over the years how useful it can be in taking some of the pressure off even just for a while and that pays off huge. I was very happy to know that it was something I could do. Bend, don't break.

[@NicR94]

Miles of foot patrol in the thickest and heaviest rain I've seen. A guy I was with ended up complaining and I couldn't help but laugh hysterically because everything he was saying was what I was feeling too. Tried to pop out a couple cigarettes to at least have a smoke. They kept getting soaked to the point you couldn't even enjoy it for a few seconds. We laughed at that too. One of those you had to be there moments too.

[@MA-hc6mb]

I read your title. I listened for 30 seconds. Before I listen to the rest of what you have to say; That look in your eyes, the smile, and the few words you have said mean more than anyone can ever explain until AFTER the first 30 seconds get this response. An important video, and in fact something for those who have never seen violence to attempt to meet a middle group with those who can't let go, for one reason or another.

[@THEfamouspolka]

Thank you John I'm grateful to you for sharing these small morsels of wisdom!

[@lowcard1]

My brother and I had a miserable childhood and we laughed through most off it and still cracking jokes about it. Great video. Trying to get up there and do some training soon.

[@awsbakerordie]

10,000 years from now, some archeologist will find that rock and know... cowboy butts drove Lovell nuts.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

humor is a great tension easer. i think about so many times some wiseass made a bad situation better by doing or saying something stupid at just the right moment.

[@voxhumana2able]

For what it's worth...your videos are really great. This is one of my favorite channels on KZbin. Always classy and helpful stuff. Thanks man. ;)

[@sublimingmule6356]

My cousins and I were cracking jokes a few hours before my cousin's funeral. We weren't disrespectful, but we were celebrating his life, and making jokes to deal with the loss. It was very valuable to me, and I'm sure to them as well.

[@jaimeanderson5615]

Everytime I see a great video you make like this, I always think this is the best you can do. You've always proven me incorrect. Great video again.

[@jakeford1570]

Great video. I’ve noticed a lot of special forces guys are some of the funniest people I’ve ever met, and I think their humor was a source of their strength.

[@artygee7278]

Haha Embrace the suck! Very well said my friend 👍

[@manman7357]

I have learned a lot through you on this channel. I appreciate it

[@JACKH88GG]

Words and thoughts of an experienced and open thinker - Reinforcing and useful in All aspects of life - Best of All you are sporting a Harley Davidson shirt - The highest level of a Great Thinker !

[@Tlmoring53]

Hey John I just want to say that it is refreshing to find a kindred spirit! I find your videos informative and challenging. As a brother in Christ I appreciate your witness and testimony. I will continue to pray for you that the heavenly Father will bless you in the future.

[@docshred1787]

Being a former Navy Corpsman, I totally get this. People say/do some poignant (?) and funny shtuff when heavy "shit" is going down. Good memories, Brothers...thank you.

[@davidcubillos3884]

This video was amazing and accurate! Some of the worst moments in my life and military career invoked laughter lol

[@Woodyfondler]

You, Sir, have the absolute best advice and code to live by that I can't seem to quit watching your vids and more importantly listening to every lesson you have to give - from your creative analogies, determination to complete any mission at hand and never give up, your outlook on this game we all play called life, to your spiritual connection to a higher power and purpose we have to give. You are appreciated and I will follow your lead and share all your valuable, free to us, vids to all who share this same mindset. I will be joining USAF, Pararescue for a greater cause than myself, and the challenge it presents - I will fight till I get there, to provide for my daughter, and have something to fight for while my mother is fighting for her life battling cancer. She's fighting till the end and so will I. I'm grateful to have discovered your channel and may God bless you further.

[@757optim]

Joined the Army in '68 with delayed induction. Comment from co-workers was invariably, "Don't forget to duck". My immediate supervisor was a unique individual whose advice made me stop and think. That advice - "Don't lose your sense of humor". Mr. Walker was right on.

[@dredwulf_productions]

I think the scene in Casino Royale where James Bond gets tortured by Le Chifre is a pretty good example of this concept. Bond is literally getting wacked in the nuts but keeps finding ways to laugh at the situation.

[@Dabkilla]

great stories ! and your right, you have to be able to laugh sometimes, even when it's at yourself.. I know some nights if I don't feel good, or in a bad mood, I watch something funny, it always perks me up!

[@Brandon-zw3hw]

I love your stories, even though I can't relate but still makes me laugh. Thank you!

[@moretacticalthanyou7514]

"Now go find that rock" lmao 🇺🇸

[@drewschlosser26]

That dude pulling guard before you was committed like you read about!

[@jstnmc2448]

Thanks John, this is a difficult concept to communicate. Keep up the good fight!

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Excellent John, thanks! If I didn’t find humor in life or my miserable existence hell would rain down, lol🤗

[@yankbat8481]

Boy that won hit home. I 100% get it and apply is in the Army. Embrace the suck works.

[@Rushfarms]

Absolutely amazing videos and channel. Being a firefighter and EMT ive seen some things that messed me up mentally. Your videos have really helped me to develop a mentality that will help me prosper in life and continue to serve the community in a positive way. I credit you for my new found spirituality and my desire to better myself with firearms training. Thank you

[@andrewmaclean4144]

I appreciate these stories man, they reminded me of some good times

[@banshee107]

Excellent video!! Reminds me of the stupid shit we did to pass the time in the sand bowl.

[@rdean45acp]

thank you John! these principals can be applied throughout all different circumstances in life. Good stuff.

[@mouthbreather280]

*_"Cowboy butts drive lovell nuts"_* LOL haha! Epic rock.

[@deepcreekarms4195]

Wow man I get it 100% I'm really with you on this....wow

[@buildingourdaydream9804]

Seriously needed that. Thank you

[@MrZillman]

Shipping off to Fort Benning on Monday for basic. This was great!

[@Dave_300]

Good talk! Good times! Probably seen that saying.

[@SnailHouseProjects]

I really needed this video this morning.... Thank you John!

[@ElenaAideen]

Have you read Pierre Teilhard de Chardin "The Phenomenon of Man"? He was a philosopher, a paleontologist, and a Jesuit priest who lived from 1881 to 1955. Probably my favorite quote from him is, "We are one, after all, you and I. Together we suffer, together exist, and forever will recreate each other."

[@tanman7879]

Thank you I needed to hear this

[@judymcdougal5204]

Thank you

[@mulberrymugwump2920]

It’s incredible! I just needed the video! I have a huge exam coming up and need all the levity I can get!

[@thedreadedwhitenoise8743]

Brad Pitt laughing after having his face smashed in the basement of Lou's tavern in fight club springs to mind. "AH HAHAHA! Come on Lou! We really like this place!"

[@tsherman393]

"You don't know where I've been Lou!" :)

[@JiuJitsuCowboy1]

John, I needed this today. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on the subject. I am looking forward to hopefully meeting you in Camden this coming month and talking warrior poet philosophy with you. Have a great day, man.

[@derekdelotto1502]

John you Rock bro, recently subscribed cant learn enough from your videos. You have a very original approach to topics to topics nobody seems to highlight. Derek, Richmond Va.

[@leadpersuasion]

Fantastic message john!

[@snakewhisperer2010]

such a fun video. great experiences thank you

[@matthewp117]

You should make videos describing how your basic training went. I'm sure a lot of people attempting to join the military would love to get some questions answered about how it all starts

[@jmomrodgers2888]

I like this a lot, thank you for all your videos.

[@shanecal7]

As a grunt (you know of course) if guys aren't laughing or bitching there's something wrong.

[@dornjr]

I saw a documentary that interviewed 4 Iwo Jima USMC Veterans...they would bring up how many times they had been divorced and all the sleepless nights...and they just kept laughing. :)

[@teoff16]

Excellent mindset.

[@bobhaehn5470]

From 300 "we'll fight in the shade" comes to mind

[@NK-ne9uf]

Such a great video man, I'm guilty of taking myself too seriously sometimes. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@gregwright392]

Good stuff! Black/gallows humor gets you through tuff times! Keep up the good work. Funny, I worked with a Jim Lovell n he was a character too!

[@pdavis7537]

I was feeling down once and someone said "cheer up...things could get worse". So, I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse.

[@akristiina7068]

😂

[@dougfloyd628]

Love your videos!!! Good stuff brother and thank you for your service!!!

[@hammanvideo]

While I've never been in a situation where my life is on the line, I do work in a mostly miserable job doing HVAC. 70% of my job is spent in bad weather (rain, snow, sleet, too hot, way too cold, etc.). Nothing fixes a crappy day better than a little joking to break the mood.

[@rjasonc]

Jon Hammett same here. Helps a lot.

[@dwb2112]

Thanks John for reminding me of my own memories of Blue Falcons, dumbass Privates, and guys who just had God intervene and say its not your time. It"s really made me smile.

[@GRRtheFeminist]

Thanks. I needed this to be reminded to me. Maybe I'll turn my situation into a novel of absurdity and earn some money and fame from it.

[@MJA5]

We joked about everything, sometimes when stuff got sideways, it probably wasn't funny.

[@deadheart556]

I had the smiling problem in basic too

[@deadheart556]

gabriel brack I went to kill a damn black widow spider, thought I'd get a thank you. I got smoked for attempting to think without being told.

[@JudasOP]

This kinda helps. I think I'm going to be joining the marines and I'll try to remember this video while I'm there

[@HTVEGC]

Thanks brother, these stories just cracked me up. 😂

[@IsaacBeck]

Had a squad leader in Germany named Lovell. Think his first name was John. Former 10 year marine, about 50, E6, then later E5... Budda with a blond spiky flat-top. From somewhere in the south. Hilarious guy, especially when he was pissed. Everyone had a Lovell impression. Also wrote the book Motivational Speeches for Dummies.

[@roadhouse6999]

Did cowboy butts drive him nuts?

[@Jehu9610]

Bro- just been throwin my head back laughing !

[@rebekah-chriss-k4872]

laughing trumps crying or belly aching always so smile and laugh life's a test you won't come out of alive so enjoy the ride

[@Dutch1951x]

Excellent!@

[@surfersoldierforchrist5928]

love the tactical backdrop!!!!!!!! : )

[@elivasquez631]

it is strange how humor in those situations does that and it comes in handy if applied for those around you I think that's something all men need to lead their families or in their jobs

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

There is a book called " The Power of NOW ". A great book that I recommend to all.

[@ultraclassic01hd]

★★★★★..Just saw 13 hours (The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi) and the injections of humor to deal with the that shit situation.

[@scottcameron35]

needed this lol thanks

[@Clancydog99]

I remember laying in the cold pouring rain with 30 other "joes". Cold, wet and miserable, but laughing because we were in it together. Fun times!

[@dj4514]

Yep!

[@ramza781]

Can you possibly do a video about conquering fear? Like the fear of heights? Understanding the fear of heights is a 'biological fear', and possible mentalities to conquer it. I want to conquer my fear of heights before I start basic training within the Army. Thank you and keep up the amazing videos!

[@SheepDogNumber6]

Good to do in bad situations yes.

[@DBKurtz5v]

If you haven't read saving private ryan, I recommend it. Its surprisingly full of humor.

[@silascochran9705]

Every one of These I have watched today. Have been right on the mark for me. I'm trying to figure out my next best move. Cuz my life seems to be like a Twilight Zone episode. Or maybe Hellraiser

[@justindodge7147]

Amazing!

[@thegreatandrew6093]

Awesome stuff, I needed this.

[@danielblackwulf9466]

I love this video...it's so true. When I went through Basic Training during Nam we were on the grenade range detail loading practice grenades with new detonators. It was a tedious task and my buddy was working away when I took one of the practice grenades , reloaded an expended detonator into it, reloaded the firing spring, slapped a spoon on it inserted a pull pin and said "Hey Brown....catch!" I then pulled the pin, flipped off the spoon and tossed him the grenade..of course nothing happened and I got a good laugh at his reaction. Where it went south was when he loaded a live detonator into the practice shell and pulled the pin. Five seconds later BOOM! The grenade popped and he got some small shrapnel and some burn marks on his fatigues...and then the Drill Sergeants came over at a high rate of speed. I'll leave the rest to your imagination... just remember, "the dying cockroach".... nuff said!

[@carloscardona9255]

i think this has been my favorite video from you hahahah such epic stories.