Master the Art of Laughing at Yourself (And Owning Your Mistakes)

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Not too long ago, I was hanging out with a friend and while we were eating, I fell out of my chair, on my ass, HARD. We both laughed so hard & even harder when we watched the replay off his camera, TWICE. (No, it wasn't caught on video, you just see the chair go flying from off-camera & hear us laughing our asses off.) For a short second, I was irritated, but then I pictured myself bouncing on my fat ass like a cartoon character, and I couldn’t help but laugh. In that moment, I realized something: life is too short not to laugh at yourself—especially when you’re the star of the comedy.

In the past, when I was embarrassed I would jump to be angry about the situation. I would snap at the people who'd laugh at me, even though it would end up being funny to me later. One day, I decided to laugh through the embarrassment & I felt a whole lot better. I vowed to myself that I would laugh more, instead of having a hot temper.

Life is so much nicer if you're able to be happy, see things from a more positive perspective, & also laugh when you're embarrassed. Laughing is healing, just as much as crying is, as much as a lot of us (me) hate to admit it. Be ok with laughing at yourself. Don't get angry because of embarrassment. Embrace the imperfect moments just as much as the perfect moments.

Speaking of falling on my ass—metaphorically, this time—another thing I’ve face-planted into is admitting when I’m wrong. Turns out, swallowing my pride is harder than gravity taking me down, but it’s just as necessary for growth. I'd snap at someone and then excuse it because of how I felt. Although my feelings are valid, my reaction isn't always. I am & will always be a Beautiful Disaster Lit & a work in progress, but I work every day to be the best version I can be. It's not always easy & sometimes I slip, just like anyone else would. I don't know why I keep forgetting I'm just as human as everyone else. As much as I'd like to think I'm Wonder Woman, I'm not & even superheroes have their flaws & their kryptonite. I'm practicing pausing before acting or saying something I'll regret. I'm practicing looking at the other person's point of view & showing compassion not only to others but myself, too.

Admitting I'm wrong is probably the hardest for me. (Editing & rewriting this article years later, I am proud of the growth I see in myself. I admit when I am wrong, I own up to most of my mistakes & I try to learn from them.) Idk why, but just like falling on my ass and laughing 'til I can't breathe, it is good for me. It is part of my growth. I am smart and capable, but there are times when I am very much in the wrong and I need to own up to it.

I am starting to live with intention and fully working towards the life that I want, the life that I was meant for. In doing so, I need to laugh through the embarrassment, communicate effectively, & own up to the times I am wrong. I cannot be perfect and never will be, I don't even like the thought, but I can strive to be my best self & just move forward from any mistakes or self-conscious feelings. Laughing at myself that day wasn’t just about falling—it was about rising into the person I want to be.

Take time to laugh during the hard times, cry during the sad times, & admit you're wrong with humility. The world is filled with negativity, the best we can do is try to replace that with laughter and love towards ourselves and others. When was a time when you laughed when you wanted to cry or angrily throw things? Remember, you're human also, show yourself compassion.

So, laugh when you fall, cry when you need to, and own up when you mess up. Life’s too short to let embarrassment or mistakes weigh you down. After all, every imperfect moment is just a step toward a better, more badass version of you.

🖤💋💨