Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously: 9 Quotes About Happiness, Laughter and Letting Go

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of taking ourselves too seriously. We focus on meeting deadlines, reaching goals, and staying on top of everything, often forgetting the importance of joy, laughter, and letting go of unnecessary stress. Taking a more relaxed approach to life, embracing lightheartedness, and finding humor in everyday moments can lead to greater happiness, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Here are nine powerful quotes to remind you that happiness, laughter, and letting go are key ingredients to living a more fulfilling and balanced life.

1. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Hubbard’s humorous take on life serves as a reminder that no matter how seriously we treat it, life is ultimately finite. Instead of getting bogged down by minor stresses or worrying excessively about the future, Hubbard suggests lightening up and enjoying the ride. This quote encourages you to embrace humor, even in challenging moments, and to remember that no one gets out of life without its share of bumps along the way. Finding the humor in these moments can help reduce anxiety and make life more enjoyable.

2. “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge

Victor Borge, a comedian and pianist, beautifully captures the power of laughter in bringing people together. In times of tension or stress, laughter breaks down barriers, creates bonds, and fosters connection. Taking life too seriously can isolate us from others, but shared laughter opens doors to deeper relationships and mutual understanding. This quote encourages you to find moments of joy and levity with those around you, strengthening connections through laughter.

3. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

John Lennon’s famous words remind us that while we’re caught up in planning, life keeps moving forward. Sometimes, we’re so focused on future goals or what we think should happen that we forget to live in the present moment. This quote encourages you to let go of the constant need to control every detail and embrace life as it unfolds. Happiness often lies in spontaneity, in the moments that aren’t scripted or planned, but simply experienced.

4. “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin, the iconic silent film comedian, knew the value of laughter in everyday life. This quote serves as a reminder that laughter is essential to our well-being and happiness. When we take ourselves too seriously, we deprive ourselves of the joy and release that laughter provides. Chaplin encourages us to find humor in the little things, laugh freely, and not let a day pass without experiencing the lightness that laughter brings.

5. “Don’t sweat the small stuff… and it’s all small stuff.” – Richard Carlson

Richard Carlson’s quote offers a powerful message about perspective. Often, we allow minor inconveniences or trivial matters to consume us, leading to unnecessary stress. By recognizing that most of the things we worry about are small in the grand scheme of life, we can free ourselves from undue pressure and anxiety. Carlson’s words inspire us to let go of the insignificant, focus on what truly matters, and adopt a more relaxed, carefree attitude.

6. “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum

Etty Hillesum’s quote speaks to the importance of slowing down and finding moments of peace amid a busy life. When we take ourselves too seriously, we often forget to pause, breathe, and recharge. Letting go of the need to be constantly productive allows us to reconnect with ourselves and find joy in stillness. Hillesum’s words remind us that happiness isn’t found in constant motion, but in the quiet moments of rest and reflection.

7. “Laughter is an instant vacation.” – Milton Berle

Milton Berle’s quote captures the rejuvenating power of laughter. In a world that often feels overwhelming, laughter offers a brief escape—a mini-vacation from stress and seriousness. Whether it’s a good laugh with friends, watching a funny movie, or simply finding humor in an unexpected situation, laughter allows us to temporarily let go of life’s burdens. Berle’s words remind us to take frequent “vacations” through laughter, allowing ourselves to reset and return with a lighter heart.

8. “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid

The Roman poet Ovid reminds us that just as nature requires rest to flourish, so do we. When we take ourselves too seriously, we often push ourselves to the point of burnout, believing that constant effort is the key to success. But true productivity and happiness come from balance—knowing when to push and when to rest. Ovid’s words encourage us to take breaks, recharge, and understand that periods of rest are essential for future growth and well-being.

9. “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product of a life well-lived.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote challenges the idea that happiness is something we should constantly chase. Instead, she suggests that happiness naturally arises when we live a life filled with purpose, laughter, connection, and fulfillment. By taking ourselves less seriously and focusing on enjoying the present moment, we allow happiness to emerge as a natural part of our lives. Roosevelt’s words remind us that the pursuit of joy should be about living fully, not about obsessing over achieving happiness as an end goal.

Embracing Laughter, Letting Go, and Finding Joy

The quotes above serve as reminders that life doesn’t need to be taken too seriously for it to be meaningful. In fact, embracing laughter, letting go of perfection, and finding joy in the little things can lead to greater fulfillment and well-being. When we release the pressure to control every detail and instead allow ourselves to laugh at life’s absurdities, we open ourselves up to a more relaxed and joyful existence.

Laughter and letting go are not signs of carelessness—they’re tools for navigating life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Whether it’s recognizing that minor problems aren’t worth stressing over, taking time to pause and rest, or sharing a laugh with loved ones, these actions can help shift your perspective and bring more happiness into your everyday life.

As you move forward, consider how you can bring more lightness into your daily routine. Look for moments to laugh, take deep breaths when stress arises, and remember that it’s okay to let go of things that don’t truly matter. Life is meant to be lived, not just endured—and often, the key to living well is simply to stop taking ourselves so seriously.