I LOVED to dance as a teen and young adult. Then I married a non-dancer, and we had a family and bought an old house, and there went my dancin' shoes. (It's OK--my husband's positive qualities more than make up for his three left feet. Yes, three. At least that's how if felt when he stepped on my foot.) Sadly, neither of us are good about prioritizing fun. This is a good reminder, Gail!
I so understand. Growing up my parents opposed any form of dancing! After Friday night home basketball games our school usually had a dance, accompanied by a record player. One night an older girl invited me to dance! Talk about 2 left feet. I stammered that I knew nothing about dancing, but gave myself permission to look goofy if that happened. Ellen suggested we wait for a slower song, as in slow dance, and how wonderful it was to find my dancing feet! And use them. From foolish to fabulous.
Your parents opposed dancing? Huh... makes me think of the movie Footloose.
My dad often talks about what an enthusiastic dancer my mother was... they spent many a night at dance halls... she on the floor without her shoes and he watching from the side. He said now he regrets not trying harder.
James Herriot also tells many stories about dances with Helen... who became his wife.
Yes Monty, “Dance” is simply the metaphor of whatever might emerge if only given a chance, if given permission. I have shared with Typist and Paintist how for my entire life I’ve lived a lie that I could not draw. It’s simply not true. However I didn’t know it wasn’t true until I really tried, until I gave myself permission to learn, to try, to fail, AND succeed…
“Permission to learn”… that’s what happened with me and writing through the gift of 100 Naked Words. Before then I’d never even considered trying to write anything more than I had to. The real Magic happened when Writing felt like play… not work. All I wanted to do was practice and connect.
The dancer inside me was a wallflower for many years. First, insecurity about her looks and ability held her there. Then it was her people pleasing, practical ways that held her back. Doing everything for everyone else.
I let my dancer come out to play a few years ago and there is no sidelining her anymore. She is here to dance and play.
Love the rivalry between the muses. I was thinking how much my family is missing my inner people pleaser😂
The muses are insisting I link two songs here. I'm not sure why...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYPJOCxSUFc (The Boxer, Simon and Garfunkel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw (I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack)
I LOVED to dance as a teen and young adult. Then I married a non-dancer, and we had a family and bought an old house, and there went my dancin' shoes. (It's OK--my husband's positive qualities more than make up for his three left feet. Yes, three. At least that's how if felt when he stepped on my foot.) Sadly, neither of us are good about prioritizing fun. This is a good reminder, Gail!
I'm thinking of your squished toes. 😂 You might have a few punches on your dance card at an upcoming wedding?
Yes! We're probably going to take ballroom dance lessons like we did before our own wedding. It will help.
Scheduled fun! 😊
“prioritizing fun.” Yes! A wonder filled idea. I can also openly recommend “scheduling Joy.”
Joy = something you enjoy and otherwise wouldn’t do, if you didn’t take the action step to make time for it by scheduling it. 😊
Yup. We need to prioritize and schedule. That doesn't sound like fun, but the outcome will be!
Unfortunately it's more like two left feet inside me! LOL
It might not be traipsing the night fantastic... or drawing a ballerina, but I've no doubt there is a version of a dancer inside of you Monty!
I so understand. Growing up my parents opposed any form of dancing! After Friday night home basketball games our school usually had a dance, accompanied by a record player. One night an older girl invited me to dance! Talk about 2 left feet. I stammered that I knew nothing about dancing, but gave myself permission to look goofy if that happened. Ellen suggested we wait for a slower song, as in slow dance, and how wonderful it was to find my dancing feet! And use them. From foolish to fabulous.
Your parents opposed dancing? Huh... makes me think of the movie Footloose.
My dad often talks about what an enthusiastic dancer my mother was... they spent many a night at dance halls... she on the floor without her shoes and he watching from the side. He said now he regrets not trying harder.
James Herriot also tells many stories about dances with Helen... who became his wife.
“From foolish to fabulous.” #Yes!
Yes Monty, “Dance” is simply the metaphor of whatever might emerge if only given a chance, if given permission. I have shared with Typist and Paintist how for my entire life I’ve lived a lie that I could not draw. It’s simply not true. However I didn’t know it wasn’t true until I really tried, until I gave myself permission to learn, to try, to fail, AND succeed…
“Permission to learn”… that’s what happened with me and writing through the gift of 100 Naked Words. Before then I’d never even considered trying to write anything more than I had to. The real Magic happened when Writing felt like play… not work. All I wanted to do was practice and connect.
Yes, thank you!
I often find myself twirling as well... Although, when the body gives out, my mind is still going. :)
Sometimes a head bob is all we need!
T-shirt: “Another wine bottle with no genie at the bottom. I’ll keep looking.” 😁
"In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders of ev'ry glove
That laid him down
Or cut him
Till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
'I am leaving, I am leaving'
But the fighter still remains..."
💚
"I dream of Jack Herlocker!" I loved that show when I was a kid... Jeannie in her pink gauzy outfit.
The dancer inside me was a wallflower for many years. First, insecurity about her looks and ability held her there. Then it was her people pleasing, practical ways that held her back. Doing everything for everyone else.
I let my dancer come out to play a few years ago and there is no sidelining her anymore. She is here to dance and play.
Love the rivalry between the muses. I was thinking how much my family is missing my inner people pleaser😂
Your last sentence cracks me up!
I’m so glad your dancer is out and inspiring mine. ♥️