What is Absurdity?
Absurdity is the moment something doesn’t fit our expectations—but isn’t truly harmful. It’s the little (or big) shock when reality takes a detour, leaving us surprised, confused, or laughing. It’s the unexpected twist that flips the ordinary into something ridiculous.
Like… A seagull running off with your kid’s bag of chips. Like … Seeing a sign that says, “No Signs Allowed.” Like … Getting a coffee spill on your shirt right before an important meeting, even though you’ve been careful all morning.
These little absurdities are everywhere and can happen all the time. And when we see them, or when they happen, we have a choice—brush it off, ignore it, or embrace it for what it is: a chance to laugh, connect, and make life just a little more interesting.
1. Notice it and mention it.
Absurdity is everywhere. Point it out in a lighthearted, nonjudgmental way. “Well, looks like my shirt just became the latest art canvas. I call this piece ‘Morning Mishap.'” It doesn’t even need to be made into a joke, just notice it: “Oh well, there go the chips.”
2. Introduce it—with a question or remark.
Sometimes, absurdity doesn’t have to be found—it can be created. Ask something delightfully ridiculous: “If you had to replace handshakes with a new greeting, what would it be?” These small, unexpected shifts in conversation shake people out of routine responses and open the door to playful connection.
3. Own it and laugh instead of dying of embarrassment.
Tripped on absolutely nothing? Forgot what you were saying mid-sentence? Misheard lyrics in the most spectacular way? Instead of cringing into the ground, embrace the absurdity. “Yep, my brain just took a lunch break.” Owning the moment flips awkward into amusing—and gives others permission to do the same.
The benefits of embracing the absurdity of life
Laughter at the unexpected releases tension, boosts our mood, and shifts our mindset. It becomes a natural stress reliever, helping us find joy in moments that might otherwise be frustrating. Embracing laughter as a response to absurdity allows us to let go of perfection and embrace the imperfections of life with a lighter heart, making it easier to face challenges with ease.
Connection thrives on shared experiences, and there’s nothing more unifying than a good laugh at life’s absurdities. When we laugh together, especially at something unexpected or ridiculous, it creates a bond. Inside jokes are born, and moments that might have been frustrating or embarrassing become sources of shared joy. Embracing absurdity with others strengthens relationships, creating a sense of camaraderie and trust. We remember these moments not for the mishap itself, but for the way we navigated it together with humor.
Creativity is unlocked when we invite absurdity into our lives. It shakes up the rigid patterns of thinking and opens our minds to new, playful possibilities. When we accept that not everything needs to make sense or follow a strict path, we become more open to unconventional ideas. Absurdity encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones, approach problems from unexpected angles, and explore creative solutions we might never have considered before.
Resilience is built when we can laugh at life’s curveballs. The ability to find humor in the unexpected, rather than becoming overwhelmed or defeated, makes us more adaptable. Absurdity reminds us that not everything goes according to plan—and that’s okay. Embracing the chaos with laughter helps us bounce back quicker from setbacks, allowing us to stay flexible and ready for whatever comes next. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control everything, we can choose how we respond.
Living the Absurd: Simple Ways to Add a Twist to the Everyday
Allowing ourselves to laugh at the absurdities that inevitably happen is a powerful way to embrace life’s unpredictability. By noticing these moments and even inviting a bit of absurdity into our lives, we free ourselves from stress and open up to the lighter, more playful side of living.
- Do the regular, but with a twist. Eat dinner by candlelight… but only if the candles are in birthday cake. Walk backward down the hallway. Narrate your daily routine like a wildlife documentary.
- Play with language. Try responding in rhyme for a whole conversation. Use overly dramatic words for mundane tasks. (“I must embark on the perilous journey to the grocery store.”)
- Create a new word. If something ridiculous just happened, name it. “That moment when you forget what you were saying mid-sentence? That’s a thoughtsneeze now.”
Conclusion
Absurdity isn’t just about being silly—it’s about seeing life through a more playful lens. It’s about choosing laughter over awkwardness, connection over small talk, and curiosity over routine. The next time something unexpected happens, lean into it. You might just turn a passing moment into a memory.
