Embracing the Comedy of Being Serious

I have reached the stage in life where I hardly find anything funny. I feel as if I know everything. Oh no, don’t mistake me for a teenager. I’m a mature woman whose medicine cabinet has started to look more like a pharmacy aisle, but that is also an old story.

The other day, I parked my car in what was supposed to be a “tiny” parking lot in my very own building. But guess what? It turned into a 30-minute maze adventure! Navigating twists, turns, and dead ends reminiscent of a twisted video game level.

When I finally found my way out and tried to explain to my family that my parking spot was like a secret hideout in the corner, everyone portrayed it like it was the funniest thing ever. Their laughter brought forth the absurdity of my parking lot ordeal. Despite my initial frustration, I found the situation rather amusing but obviously, I didn’t laugh at myself.

I wonder how they catch the humor in everything.

Today, while watching a Mother’s Day episode with my family, they laughed uproariously when the kids on TV attempted to make breakfast pancakes for their mom. None of them knew how to flip them properly.

My little ones found each attempt to flip the pancake hilarious, making funny gestures, until their dad took over, trying to act like an expert, and ended up dropping it on the floor. My laughing tots couldn’t control themselves. They thought it was the funniest thing ever and were laughing so hard they doubled over.

I was just glad it was on TV and not in real life. Yes, I didn’t find that funny; the only thought going through my head was, who’s going to clean the mess?

When I told them it was ridiculous and not funny at all, guess what my little one had to say to this? "Maybe your laugh-o-meter is set to ‘meh,’ and the comedy antenna is stuck on serious mode.”

As I rolled my eyes at him, trying to figure out who he gets his wit from, deep inside, I was laughing, but trying to control it.

Just then, my beloved husband took the stage. “Why does your mom always have a torch in her bag? Because she is searching for a deeper meaning.” Yes, I couldn’t resist this one, and it got me laughing so hard, as I do indeed have a flashlight in my purse.

A good laugh is sunshine in a house.~William Makepeace Thackeray

Why children find everything funny

Kids find everything funny—a little accidental fart can drive them nuts. I believe they are still discovering the world around them, and many things that we adults might find routine can seem amusing to them.

They are so light and not burdened with the same social filters as us and are more likely to express their emotions freely. I see my children laugh without worrying about the expectations of people around them. No wonder they find entertainment in everything.

Why some of us appear more serious as we age

I think the notion that the majority of women become increasingly serious with age should be perceived as a stereotype. But indeed, some of us do adopt a more serious outlook as we grow older, regardless of our gender.

As we grow up, we journey through life’s ups and downs, experiencing both moments of joy and times of sadness. These experiences shape our view of life, especially when we face challenges. As adults, some of us are more conscious of our surroundings and what others might think of us. I believe this is the reason why we’re scared to lighten up and laugh at ourselves.

Laughter is a universal language.

Although we may not outwardly laugh, we may find ourselves internally amused, suggesting that humour can sneak up on us even when we least expect it.

Yes, it’s a universal language, a way to connect with others, and a way to build relationships. Sharing laughter with family and friends strengthens bonds and creates positive memories.

How can we bring more joy to our lives?

It’s about time we give ourselves a chance and embrace the comedy of being serious as a refreshing restart, reminding ourselves that laughter can be found in the most unlikely places.

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.~Abraham Lincoln

Now, the question is, how can we bring more joy to our lives? We need to make an effort to let ourselves loose and enjoy every bit of it. Here are some tips on how to do that.

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Learn to laugh at yourself and your quirks. This is something I really need to work on. Laughing at yourself can help you navigate life’s challenges with a lighter perspective.

Let Go of Inhibitions

Let loose and be open to laughter and silliness. Don’t worry about what others might think. Embrace the moment and let yourself laugh freely.

Pay Attention to Humour

Look for moments of joy in your surroundings. Whether it’s a funny joke, a humorous situation, or playful banter with friends, take notice and allow yourself to enjoy the humour in it.

Share Laughter with Others

Laughter is contagious, so share funny moments with others. Always remember laughing together can strengthen bonds and create memorable experiences.

Appreciate the Absurd

To kill seriousness in life, we need to embrace its absurdity and find humor in everyday situations. Sometimes, the most unexpected and seemingly routine moments can be the funniest, so try to catch every little moment of joy wherever it approaches you.

By incorporating these tips into our lives, we can cultivate a greater appreciation for funny moments and experience more joy and laughter on a daily basis.

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour. ― Charles Dickens

Let us raise a toast to the laughter that lingers on the edge of solemnity, affirming us that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of humour can make the situation brighter.