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We can all get so caught up in the tasks in front of us, or tomorrow’s goals, or yesterday’s disappointments. As humans, we are very goal-oriented. We’re all about the destination. We forget the funny irony that all of these “destinations” are just things we make up, but the real destination is, well, let’s just say it involves six feet of dirt. Though it can be hard to pull myself out of focusing on all the little things I have to do every day—because I’m very stubborn—every time I do take the time to lighten up, I’m so glad that I did. In fact, and unexpectedly, remembering how little most of the things we worry about actually matter somehow helps me do a better job at those very things. If we don’t step back and just laugh a little at life, we can get so tense—so stressed—that we make mistakes, we misstep, we handle relationships in a way we aren’t proud of. Aren’t your favorite people the ones who always manage to laugh and smile, no matter what is going on? You’re drawn to those people. There is an electricity about them. They’ve figured it out: none of this really matters, but in a really beautiful way.
Life is just a journey that you can enjoy or make miserable for yourself. And the key to enjoying it is not taking it too seriously. More specifically, not taking yourself too seriously is a big part of it. But I understand that that’s easier said than done. Life pulls you back in. It distracts you and consumes you and feels serious. But there are some things you can do—some habits you can keep up and activities you can integrate into your life—that guarantee some much-needed levity on a regular basis. Here are ways to keep life from feeling too serious.
Take a “useless” class
Not one that will improve your career-related skillset or even boost your life skills, like accounting or car repairs. Take a totally silly class that doesn’t really help any practical area of your life. It could be salsa dancing or paper doll making or sculpting. Anytime you’re in the position of being the student—the learner—you feel young again.
