Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You have to be able to laugh at yourself in order to keep your sanity in this crazy world, right? Have you ever had something happen and at first you’re ticked off but then you stop and just start laughing?? That’s happened to me many times. One very memorable time was several year ago: I was walking to my studio with my purse on one shoulder and my tote bag on the other. May hands were out in front of me, each one holding a bowl of dry dog food. As I am walking across the lawn, our dogs, Buster and Daisy were chasing each other around the yard. Daisy, as always, was on Buster’s heels trying to grab one of his legs to tackle him. Buster is running while looking behind himself at Daisy closing in on him. Buster plows into the back of my legs and I fly up in the air and land on my a$$ as it rained kibbles all over me.

At first, I was angry. I yelled at the dogs and mumbled under my breath…”well, I’m not going to get you more food… that’s what you get…..blah, blah, blah”. Then I just started laughing hysterically at the site of myself flying up in the air with the kibbles and almost hoped my neighbors had seen it happen so they could’ve enjoyed a good laugh.

Taking yourself too seriously can rob you of happiness. Your experiences in life can be so much more enjoyable if you just chill out and laugh about the silly things that happen.

I found this list of “10 signs you take yourself to seriously” by Lisa Duffy.

1. You can’t easily laugh at yourself.
2. You are too defensive.
3. You have a difficult time admitting you are wrong.
4. You always have to have the last word.
5. It is important to you to point out others’ faults.
6. You interrupt someone who is speaking to make sure your views are heard.
7. You get upset and withdraw from the conversation when someone teases you.
8. If someone politely declines spending time with you, you spend the next two weeks trying to figure out what’s wrong with you instead of believing the reason why he or she declined.
9. You rarely give compliments to others.
10. You feel like no one understands you.

Do you have some of these traits? If so, how do you overcome them?

1. When something irritates you, try to see the humor it the situation. Not to say everything is funny. But in many cases, we overreact and only look at the negative side of things.
2. Don’t be so defensive. When someone says something you don’t like or if they criticize you, pause and take a better look at what they are saying. Sometimes we take things out of context and jump to conclusions. Ask questions in order to understand what the person is trying to say.
3. My husband will tell you I have a difficult time admitting I’m wrong and I always say, “well, if I believe I’m right, why would give in and say I’m wrong?” It depends on the situation. If it’s opinion-based and I truly believe I’m right, I usually stick to my guns. (I know, I know……I may need some work here) But if your actions/words caused  a problem or feelings were hurt, then you need to be able to admit your error and apologize.
4. Having the last word…this is just silly to me. In a serious debate or argument, this just fuels the fire. Let it go.
5. Pointing out others’ faults reflects your own insecurities. Don’t put your issues on other people. Built your self confidence and this bad trait will go away on it’s own.  Remember, when you point at someone else, three fingers are pointing back at YOU.
6. Interrupting and talking over people. We all do this at times, especially when we’re excited about something but have you ever been around a person that continually does this time and time throughout the evening or every time you see them? It makes you feel unimportant, like they don’t want to hear what you have to say…well, you’re right, they don’t. Talk about a people-repeller.  The way to break this habit is to be genuine…really care about the person you are talking to. Put your attention on them and focus on what they are saying….you may find them interesting and the conversation may go in an unexpected and positive direction. You’ll always get your turn to speak.
7. I grew up with a Dad that liked to tease as well as an older brother that liked to tease. My husband and our two sons like to tease as well, so I don’t get my feelings hurt too easily.  If someone says something that really hurts your feelings, pull them aside later and talk to them about it, don’t stew in it until it’s blown way out of proportion. For the most part, you should be able to handle a little teasing. Build your self confidence if you find your feelings getting hurt easily and often.
8. When someone politely declines spending time with you, take their word for it. Don’t let your mind play tricks on you and second guess their intentions. You’ll make yourself crazy. If they decline time after time, then talk to them about it and tell them how you’re feeling.
9. Giving compliments…real compliments…sincere compliments can make someone’s day and ultimately make you feel better as well. You attract who you are, not what you want. If you want to be around kind, complimentary people, be one first.
10. If you feel like no one understands you, there may be some deeper underlying issues. However, it could be as simple as becoming a better communicator. Here is an interesting article that may help.

So next time you stumble, spill your drink or wix up your mords, hopefully you’ll get a chuckle out of it.

Do you have any funny stories to share where you show your sense of humor and how you don’t take yourself too seriously?? Please share them with us.

Tagged as: bloopers