Laugh at Yourself First



In Bill N.'s plan

Description:

This commandment is not about losing self-respect or 
demeaning ourselves. Just the opposite — it is an act of loving 
kindness. Willingness to laugh at ourselves frees us from the 
restrictions of the unrealistic and unremittingly harsh expectations 
to which we hold ourselves when we are under duress. It gives us 
latitude to appreciate the ever-present inconsistencies and 
contradictions that are part of our makeup. 
 
Laughing at ourselves helps us recognize the difference 
between perfection and perfectionism. 
 
 15
 
 
Perfection is what we are, and that includes all the 
inconsistencies and shortcomings. You are not perfect, but you are 
perfection because of, not in spite of, your contradictions. 
 
Perfection is healthy. It includes imperfection. 
 
Perfectionism, on the other hand, is what we think we should 
be. It is always unhealthy. It is intolerant of imperfection. When we 
are caught up in our perfectionism, we are brittle and inflexible. 
We can be broken down by change. 
 
 
So laughing at ourselves is not a form of humiliation. It is a 
way of taking ourselves lightly, while still taking our responsibilities 
seriously. Once we are able to lighten up, we become more creative 
and resourceful. When the going gets tough, the tough lighten up. 
If you are having trouble laughing at yourself, this exercise is 
recommended: 

Exercise #3: 
 
Sit quietly in a comfortable chair. 
 
Take several deep-relaxing breaths. Try to release all of the 
tension that will leave you as you let go of each breath. Dismiss all 
of the usual thoughts from your mind and set aside, momentarily, 
any problems you have been wrestling with. 
 
After approximately a dozen relaxing breaths, let your 
attention focus upon a trait or characteristic of yours that you do 
not like. It can be physical, mental, or social. It doesn’t matter. Just 
make sure it’s something you don’t like about yourself. 
 
While keeping the “unwanted” trait firmly in mind, try to 
think of a way this characteristic could be amusing. Be playful and 
gentle. Do not be unkind or mean spirited. Simply do what you can 
to see this trait in a more amusing or ridiculous light. 
 
After a moment, discontinue this thought pattern and simply 
take a few more deep relaxing breaths. End the exercise by taking 
one final deep breath, slowly exhaling as you open your eyes and 
stretch your arms over your head, and then bring them back down. 

 



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Lisa Smith 1766978

It has been a serious week... I don't remember if I have laughed at any of my stupidity.... Atlast instead of taking the lift to 13 th floor I took it to 14th!! Then took the stairs..Dont know what I was thinking

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Lisa Smith 1766978

All it takes... just a smile..

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Lisa Smith 1766978

Today I am smiling, laughing........... From deep inside my heart, I feel life is too short to spend worrying.... I should smile and laugh and wave goodbye to the "BAD thoughts".........

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Lisa Smith 1766978

Back in school, when I made weird excuses and explanations why I didn't study at home... Blah :P

And thinking those I laugh.

 
 

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Lisa Smith 1766978

OK.... Seems like am always ready for a snap with some quirky action and a smile. . .

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Lisa Smith 1766978

The old me started to fading away

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Lisa Smith 1766978
Help wanted

A clown who makes us laugh is the most kind hearten person. He laughs at himself and also makes us laugh. How to handle situation when I am embarrassed.

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