Channy said something today that really got my attention.  She was…well, she was being Channy, joking around and getting people to laugh.  At one point she had some fun at my expense, which I probably deserved.  While everyone else laughed, I smiled for a moment and then grew quiet, like I always seem to do.

Later, when we were alone in the hallway, Channy asked if I was bothered by what she’d said.  I told her no, but that I just didn’t know how to respond.  And then she said it: “What’s there to know?  Just laugh!  It’s good for you.”

Of course I was overthinking everything, and I’m glad she called me on it.  All of us have distinct personalities (just look at the Council), and we all react in different ways to different situations.  But I know that my overly-serious side can stand to be shaken every once in a while.  Just because I hold a very serious position on this ship doesn’t mean that I have to take myself so seriously.

Channy’s right: It’s good to laugh at yourself.  It certainly doesn’t diminish anyone’s respect for you; in fact, it probably would strengthen that respect.  I’m not a clown by nature, and I don’t expect to suddenly try to out-do Channy when it comes to frivolity; but I know that I can lighten up a little more sometimes, too.  What did kids used to call it years ago?  “Chill out,” I think.

Hey, it’s good for you.  And me.

(Okay, Galahad bloggers…thoughts?  Do you take yourself too seriously?  Are you able to laugh at yourself?  Besides Triana, is there someone else on Galahad who could use this advice?  Post your thoughts.)