052 - How to Not Take Everything So Seriously (Sixteen Candles)

CW: Mild swearing and some discussion of suicide

 

“What’s happening, Hot Stuff?!” We hope you are doing well on this fine Monday morning, and that this episode can help you to not take things so seriously. Mama Ximena definitely believes in karma, so be wise about what you say and do (like don’t play in wheelchairs!), but remember that there is life beyond whatever disappointments we have today. And freeway dance parties are always in season.

 

Alexis and Mary talk a little about the 1984 John Hughes movie “Sixteen Candles” (rated PG, available to stream here on Hulu). The movie takes place over the course of two days, and the main character, Sam (played by Molly Ringwald) is having a really bad day on the first day, because it’s her 16th birthday, and her family has forgotten it. She takes almost everything that day too seriously, but the next day, which is her sister’s wedding day, things get a lot better. A lot of interesting–and problematic–things happen in this movie, but it all works out in the end, especially when Sam is able to lighten up a bit.

 

Lexy found several great quotes about not taking life so seriously, and both Mary and Lexy give some examples of cringey things that have happened to each of us. We hope our embarrassment will make you laugh a little bit. Lex refers to this article by Peter Sheahan on fearlessculture.design (here’s another great article on the subject). Sheahan gives some great points that we talk about:

1. Confront the fear of being ridiculed
2. Drop the ball on purpose
3. Change the tone, change the conversation
4. (Ask yourself) What’s the worst thing that could happen? (here’s a clip from This is Us)
5. Become shame-resilient
6. Add more humor to your life
7. Let go of your reputation. Sheahan says, “Don’t take others too seriously, either. Free yourself from the Measurement World. Be okay being vulnerable. Take life seriously, not yourself.”

One great quote Lexy found is from Og Mandino, who said: “Laugh at yourself and at life. Not in the spirit of derision or whining self-pity, but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain, cure your depression, and help you to put in perspective that seemingly terrible defeat... Never take yourself too seriously.”

 

This quote reminded Mary of one of her favorite U2 songs, “Miracle Drug” (watch the lyric video here).

 

Our Better Betty Challenge for this week is to find something to laugh about everyday. And if you’re laughing about “Jack Juice,” you’re not the only one (be like Jake Ryan, guys). After all, we don’t want our Jacks to be dull boys.

 

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Thank you for listening, Bettys and Jacks. Don’t miss all of the good stuff in life by taking everything so seriously. Remember to zoom out and don’t let the hard things define you. And always remember that we love you more.