As musicians and artists, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of it all—the deadlines, the expectations, the long hours of practice, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it seems like everything is falling apart. It’s in those moments that we need something more than just skill or determination to push through—we need laughter. Yes, laughter. The ability to laugh at life, even when things aren’t going well, is not just a release, it’s a powerful tool that fuels our creativity, joy, and connection with others

Laughter: The Essential Joy We Need

Life is full of twists and turns, some smooth, some unexpectedly difficult. It’s easy to fall into a mindset where everything feels hopeless, like nothing is going your way. But here’s the truth: if you don’t learn to laugh at life—at the chaos, the mistakes, the little mishaps—you miss out on the joy that comes from embracing those moments. Laughter is essential. It’s the antidote to the heaviness we often feel.

When I think back to some of my toughest moments, I realize that one major reason I was able to push through and keep going, was because I learned to laugh at it all. For instance, during my time at Berklee College of Music, I had a moment when I was stressed out, exhausted, and frustrated. I also happened to have a meeting coming up. Of course, to be the cherry on top of an already bad day, my lunch tray went flying up in the air, sending shrimp and grits all over my clothes, hair, and face. I was covered in food, my meeting was about to start, and I was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Instead of being mortified or angry, or bursting out in tears, which was honestly what I really wanted to do, I laughed. It was ridiculous and chaotic. Instead of letting that awful moment ruin my day completely and my very important upcoming meeting, I laughed it away, embracing it as just another thing that life likes to throw at me, and because of that laughter, I was able to clean myself up, get myself a new lunch, and crush that meeting.

This ability to laugh at life is freeing. It creates space for joy to flow in, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. And when we have that joy, our music shines brighter too. It’s when we’re weighed down by stress or frustration that our art can feel forced, but when we embrace the lighter side of life, our creativity flourishes. Music, at its core, is about emotion and expression, and if we can’t laugh and enjoy the ride, how can we truly express the joy that music brings?

Why Laughter Is Crucial for Your Artistry

Laughter isn’t just a way to cope—it’s a creative force. When we laugh at the challenges we face, we release the pressure, allowing our minds to open up. This mental shift is what enables us to think differently, to push beyond our limits, and to create from a place of joy instead of frustration. Create music that shines as a light rather than adding to someone’s darkness. Our music becomes a reflection of that positive energy. It becomes something that others can feel, because when we’re truly connected to the joy of creation, that joy is infectious. Like a moth to a flame. Or a lost boat to a lighthouse.

If you find yourself stuck, whether in a creative block or simply struggling to keep going, try laughing. Even if it feels a little forced at first, it will change the way you approach your art. Laughter frees us from the weight of our own expectations and allows us to experiment, fail, and try again without fear. It’s in this freedom that some of our best work is born.

Connection: The Magic Ingredient in Music and Life

But laughter isn’t just a solo act—it’s something that thrives in connection with others. Life wasn’t meant to be lived alone, and creativity isn’t meant to exist in isolation either. If we want our music—and our lives—to truly flourish, we need to build connections, share our joy, and collaborate. Creativity thrives when ideas bounce off one another, when you find people who challenge you, laugh with you, and help you see the world from a new perspective. This is where the magic happens.

When you learn to laugh with others, you’re not just sharing a moment of joy; you’re building a bond. Connection is the foundation for collaboration, and collaboration is where the real growth happens. Whether you’re in the studio, at a live performance, or simply brainstorming new ideas, sharing those experiences with others enhances your creativity. There’s something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by people who inspire you, make you laugh, and who are willing to share in your struggles and triumphs.

As musicians, we often talk about the importance of finding your “tribe”—the people who understand you, support you, and elevate your work. This tribe is built on connection, trust, and, yes, laughter. The more you embrace this sense of community, the more you’ll find that your music becomes richer and more authentic. When you collaborate with others, you learn. You grow. You laugh. And through it all, you realize that creativity isn’t a solo journey—it’s something we do together.

The Shift: Embracing Laughter and Connection in Your Creative Process

If you’re looking for a shift in your artistry, start by embracing laughter and connection. Allow yourself to let go of perfection, embrace the randomness of life, and laugh at the challenges you face. You’ll find that, over time, this attitude will bring a lightness to your music. You’ll stop seeing obstacles as roadblocks and start seeing them as opportunities for creativity and growth.

Then, build your connections. Find your tribe. Collaborate. Share your ideas. Laugh together. You’ll be amazed at how much this mental shift will change not just your music, but your entire approach to life and art. The music you create will be more authentic, more joyful, and more connected to the world around you.

In the end, laughter and connection are the heart of life—and of music. When you embrace both, you’ll see a huge shift in your artistry. You’ll stop getting bogged down by the seriousness of it all, and instead, you’ll create music that shines with the joy and energy of someone who truly understands the beauty of laughter and the power of connection. So, laugh at life, connect with others, and watch how your music—and your world—transforms.

Embrace the Joy, Embrace the Adventure

At the end of the day, life and music are about embracing the highs and lows, the light and dark, the chaos and the calm. If we let laughter be our guide and connection our foundation, we’ll find that we not only create better art but live richer, more fulfilling lives. So, take a deep breath, laugh at the messiness, and remember that your music—and your journey—will shine brighter when you let joy and connection lead the way.

Keep laughing, keep creating, and never underestimate the power of a good laugh to transform your art—and your life. The world is waiting for the unique, joyful music that only you can create. So embrace the adventure.

If something here resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment, or DM me at @tzayla.official. I would absolutely love to hear from you!!

Thanks for reading, and Keep Dreaming Big!

God Bless,