I love to laugh. I think it is vital to laugh; I physically feel better when I can chuckle and meander my way into a full-on belly laugh. You know, I think laughter was put into our DNA as a way of changing our entire mood on a dime.
Laughing at ourselves is something that has taken me a long time to master. Now that I laugh at myself a lot, it provides me with my own ‘built-in’ amusement, and perhaps a smirk or two for others.
Case in point: A few weeks ago I was in line at a bakery. An older, interesting-looking woman was standing near (but not in) the line. Okay, I am going to make the huge assumption that this woman was a tad bit eccentric, wealthy, and quirky to boot.
She was looking at me so I simply said, “Hello!” The lady replied, “Hi, are you an actress?” Feeling somewhat flattered I replied, “Why no, what would make you say that?” She quipped, “It’s your eyes…………………they’re wicked!” *LOL* Well I laughed so hard that I almost forgot to order my items!
I laughed at myself because I wasn’t insulted; I chose to think it was hilarious and it literally made my day!
Okay, here is another example from many moons ago. I wanted to get a birthday card for a very dear friend of mine. Despite the fact she is english, I wanted to get her a card in french as she is fluent in both languages. In the area of Canada I was living in at the time, both languages were represented in the card section of a department store. I saw a card I thought she would love, and was excited that I had chosen a french card.
I sent her the card and awaited her response. I don’t think she could contain herself when she thanked me for the card but noted that the card read, “To a wonderful man on his birthday!” Oh honestly! I laughed (as did she) at my linguistic foible, and to this day it leads to laughter when either one of us mentions my “faux pas” with all good intentions meant.
So here’s to a little bit of light-hearted humor at one’s own expense! It will bring levity throughout the day.
As a recap to this post remember this: I am not an actress, but look wicked enough to play one; and, I cannot read french. 🙂
The Chicago Files 