41. Learn to laugh at yourself.

I think that this a very hard lesson to learn for a lot of us. I know that most children do not like to be laughed at and it can be very painful. Often the laughter is not directed at an individual but rather at some event or circumstance and yet the person involved will feel that it is personal. Especially for young children, they cannot differentiate if people are laughing at or with them.

During my young life, I would admit to being very sensitive. On occasions in school, I encountered situations that were found to be very funny. However, if the humour was directed at me, it was very hurtful although it may have been unintentional. These kind of situations can cause a young child to withdraw into themselves to prevent the situation from occurring again. I admit that I was that kind of child. 

In order to overcome this, a person has to develop more self-confidence. This is also not necessarily an easy chore. Confidence is built upon successes and can take years to develop. It was not until I became an adult that I finally had enough confidence in myself that I could accept being the butt of a joke. In time, you understand and learn that laughter is painless. Being laughed at does not hurt and the sooner you can join in with the laughter the less likely you may be the victim of a pointed joke or uncomfortable situation. Very often people who cannot laugh at themselves become the victims of bullying. There is little point in making fun or a joke about someone if they join in the event. Being able to laugh at yourself can diffuse a situation. 

As I continued in my life's journey I found that I actually had a lot of fun by making fun of myself. It might have meant wearing something humorous like an odd hat or colourful shirt that attracted funny comments. In this manner, you might transform from an easy victim to a person whose humour may be sought out. 

If you do not take yourself too seriously, I found that you were seldom the victim of cruel humour. You have to learn to laugh at yourself or life can have many painful moments.