A Day I Could Never Forget – Ladies of Hive Contest #295

I think everybody has at least one embarrassing experience that they will never forget. The first time we experience these moments we wish the ground will swallow us up. As time goes on, however, we start to crack jokes about them. I remember one of my less-than-embarrassment moments a few years ago and every time I think about it now, I smile.

It occurred on a family celebration. They were surrounded by numerous relatives and family friends who had come to attend a special event. Apparently it was a very dynamic setting, with lots of talking, laughter, eating and photographing going on. I was glad to see people whom I hadn't seen for a long time. So, I thought, I'll come to hello them all, and I'll have fun.

I was walking across the room, and I didn't realize someone just scrubbed a small section of the floor. Still somewhat damp. One more come-on, and my feet went out from under me. I was on the ground almost before I could balance myself, in front of nearly all those at the party.

I was totally surprised for a few seconds. It was now silent, and everyone was looking at me. I felt myself getting red in the face because I'm embarrassed. Some people hurried over and rushed to help me get up, others were trying not to laugh. My self was so ashamed that I wanted to disappear at that time.

When I finally lifted myself up I realized that no one was as concerned as I about the fall itself, they were much more concerned about if I was hurt or not. I tried to defuse the awkwardness by smiling and laughing and saying, “Well, I guess I wanted to make a grand entrance!” It made people laugh, and I laughed. That little joke did help me to calm down and the embarrassment gradually faded.

Throughout the rest of the day my cousins teased me in a friendly manner. Whenever someone said I fell off the cliff, everybody laughed again, even me. I didn't let the moment spoil my day but instead I enjoyed the celebration. I am thankful that I opted to laugh rather than get sad or angry.

From that day, I learned a valuable lesson. Unexpected moments abound in life and no one is perfect. Everyone gets it wrong, slips, falls, forgets or gets into difficult scenarios. It's not about the error itself, but how the error is responded to. When we can laugh at ourselves sometimes, life is much lighter and more enjoyable.

My family still recalls this ridiculous incident today. Every time we come together for another celebration, someone will mention it and we all crack a joke about it. I look back and think “what was once the most embarrassing moment of my life is one of my favorite family memories.”

I have learnt not to be too tough with myself. Things that go wrong are not who we are. Rather, they remind us, that we are human. Now I think that all the awkward moments have a lesson to them and with time they can be a story that brings smiles to our faces. I hope I never have another embarrassing moment in my life, but if I do I hope I remember this experience, laugh and move on.