Laughing at yourself, an underestimated skill

Late Monday, I was walking out of a store – a little preoccupied by the fact that I had printed the wrong document I needed for the Laughter Yoga Facilitator Training I’ll be offering this weekend. Ishhhh… Not happy with myself and my distraction!

I leave the store and head for my car.

I press the handle.

It doesn’t open.

I’ll try again.

Still nothing.

I’m a little annoyed at the automatic lock, which doesn’t work.

That’s when I realize…
it’s not my car.

Same color.
Same model.
Same parking… or almost.

Mine is identical, yes –
but, on closer inspection, much less clean!

And then, on the parking lot, I laughed.

Not a little embarrassed smile.
A real laugh. Loud and clear!

Because deep down… it was harmless.
Human.
And frankly a bit comical.

Laughing at yourself is an underestimated skill.

We believe that credibility comes from constant seriousness.
We think we always have to look confident, in control, impeccable.

But the ability to see yourself stumble… and laugh about it?
That’s a form of inner strength.

To laugh at ourselves is not to diminish ourselves.
It’s to give ourselves the right to be imperfect.
It’s to release the pressure of always having to “do well”.
It’s to humanize our own demands.

And above all… it relaxes the nervous system.

Laughing in that parking lot immediately sent my body into safety mode.
No shame.
No self-criticism.
Just a light moment in an ordinary day.

And that changes everything.

I love it!

So I invite you to do this with me.

Watch yourself.

The next little mistake, the next little oversight, the next awkward moment…

Instead of judging you,
try smiling.
Maybe even laughing.

Notice how it affects your body.
Your breathing.
Your mood.

You can’t avoid every mistake.

But you can choose the energy with which you cross them.

And sometimes it all starts with a door that won’t open.

With all my affection… and a big laugh!

Linda