Soul-searching is a good and valid endeavor, but so is lightening up. This month, in honor of my birthday, I’m giving myself new challenge—a mini-Camino—to practice taking myself less seriously.

Day 1-8: Click here to read

Day 9: Sing into a hairbrush

I think the photo speaks for itself.

 

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 10. Find someone British to talk to for wit’s sake. Barring that, watch some British comedy.

I honored the spirit of this challenge by watching an awesome—if obscure—video of bloopers from my favorite YouTube vlogger, Charlotte Angel. She hails from England and I love her ironic, self-deprecating humor. Given that her goal is to make very good, very quiet videos (told you it was obscure), the random things that thwart her are all the funnier.

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 11: Watch the movie, Uncle Buck.

I didn’t watch it. Now, before you think I’m slacking on this whole taking myself less seriously thing, my bestie, Marissa, was visiting. We watched her favorite movie instead, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion which I had never seen. It was a stitch.

I loved that the underlying message is Be Yourself—because that’s what makes you awesome.

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 12: Tell on myself. Using a sense of humor, share with my dearest friends at least 3 stories about my biggest mistakes.

Ha! I nailed this one! At dinner, I told Mary (my partner) and Marissa about three terrible, embarrassing social faux pas I made on my second visit to France after college. Staying with a French family, I broke several dinner table rules on manners that, in less gracious company, would have only perpetuated the ignorant, boorish American stereotype. Fortunately, it’s all very funny twenty years after the fact!

Also: Sunshine and cherry blossoms!

 

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 13: When stressed, imagine myself in my underwear.

I had an odd reaction to this one. When I’m stressed, the last thing I want to do is feel more self-conscious. I appreciated the spirit in which it was suggested, but it will be a no-repeater.

Less seriously score: ❤

Day 14: Stand in front of a mirror, put on some hip hop, and do a one-person robot dance battle. 

Although I didn’t turn on any music, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and did some herky-jerky moves. I found out I’m really good at doing that elbow-swinging move. It was fun!

Side note: I won.

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 15: Imagine I’m a butterfly

Backstory: When I was in fourth grade, my favorite teacher, Mr. Cherry, told me that I was “a butterfly in a business suit.” In other words, I tried hard to fit in, but I was essentially a creative soul who danced to her own beat. His affirming phrase has carried me through many difficult situations—jobs, relationships, etc. and helped me appreciate my uniqueness instead of loathe it.

I had no trouble with this one.

 

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Day 16: Watch a sad movie

In general, I don’t think that movies are a good way for me to take myself less seriously. For one, there’s the logistics: a crappy TV, no Netflix, no Blockbuster, and a remarkable loathing for people who crunch popcorn near me. For two, I get way too emotionally involved in characters—I worry about them long after the film is over. This can’t be healthy.

Does watching the trailer count? I liked the trailer. 🙂

Less seriously score: ❤ ❤

Lightening Up: Week 2 Summary

My friend Ger’s point that a rating system is awfully serious approach to lightening up was not lost on me. I mean, you’re reading a summary right now. Of fun things. Despite myself, it’s working!

Having my bestie, Marissa, here this week has added to the fun. Her presence reminds me how great it is to get away from my devices (vices?) and just be playful and spontaneous with other fun-loving people.

 

Stay tuned for updates on the next week’s not-serious activities—two more weeks to go in my month of less-seriousness and more lightness!