We should consider every day lost in which we have not danced at least once.
– Nietzsche, philosopher
Finding and celebrating the joy in life
Each day is a new chance to find joy and to dance. If you let it pass or think it useless, the chance is gone and you’ll never get it back. When was the last time you played? Or just did something for the sheer fun of it? Joy is not found in the world around you, it’s within yourself. You can make your own joy, especially during those dark times when you need to really feel alive again. Fun and play are healthy antidotes to taking life–and ourselves–too seriously. They’re proven boosters of immune systems and mental health and make life worth the trouble. So do the twist. Sing in the shower. Learn a magic trick. Watch a cartoon. Challenge some kids to a game. Don’t let a single day go to waste.
Sparkpeople-Healthy Reflection-SPARKPEOPLE
Last Monday was the first one that Jason and I did not have dance class together. The week before we had arrived at class ten minutes early. The class before us, country dance, was learning a line dance to Cupid Shuffle. The instructor insists we learn this one too. We jumped right in. It was great! We really enjoyed it. The best part was seeing Jason let loose and get into it, in front of a classroom full of people. I had to add the song to my itunes afterwards, that’s how fun it was.
The next Monday, the Monday after, I go to Jason’s after work to see the girls. He has them until seven pm. I see them for maybe half an hour. We are playing and having a good old time. I decide to bust out my song. Holding iPhone in hand, playing the Cupid Shuffle, I do the dance we learned right in Jason’s living room. Six pairs of eyes watching me. I danced.
Well, Jason jumped in. The girls started clapping with glee, their eyes bright with excitement. The oldest almost picked up the steps (a few more times she’ll have it). There was much hooting, hollering, and laughter – oh, the joyous sound of laughter. We had a blast. We danced. We could have focused on the fact it was Monday. That he only saw the girls til seven. That we had a stressful day. We could have, but we didn’t.
That is not how I believe. In the worst of times, I will FIND a speck of light and I will celebrate it for all it’s worth. If you sit and stew in the bad situation you are in because it’s not what you want, or where you want to be. You are going to be miserable. Life will be miserable and you are going to miss those opportunities to dance. Those opportunities to be grateful for what you do have.
We all make our own happiness. We all have the same chances. There is joy in the simple things, if you just stop to see it, celebrate it, and love it. Don’t ever stop dancing. Don’t miss it. Don’t lose the joy in life.
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 
Angelia,
I love this! The quote, and especially how you really found that speck of light and found the beauty in the moment! What a wonderful way to celebrate being together, and bringing a whole bunch of extra joy into the world!
Keep on dancing…always….
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Thank you Lance! Always enjoy cutting a rug, despite the downturns in life. No one can stop me from learning new moves. 🙂
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Ange…that is EXACTLY what I meant when I told you yesterday how I love your love of life! You just seem to reach out and grab the good times. That is just so wonderful…I want to be more like that. Love ya, Suzy
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Suzy, Thank you! I appreciate you commenting. I DO love life. I love celebrating every thing. But I beg to differ, I see you laughing 90% of the time. Your laughter makes everyone around you smile. Don’t discount that. It is a gift. 🙂 Love & hugs.
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Dance on music, is there anything more joyful.
There is no way you can dance for long like you are a sack of potatoes and doing something like this will certainly take my mind away from the nasty gloomy things it is preoccupied with at times.
Wonderful how the girls responded and how wonderful you could pull it off.
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Hi Wilma!
My mom always danced with us, from very small ages, she was a pre-school teacher and loved to play, dance, and sing. I was afraid to dance for many, many years as an adult. Now I know, it is therapeutic and freeing. I am going to keep dancing and enjoying life.
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I couldn’t have said it better myself. So true Angelia! If only we could all focus on our fortunes in life instead of pining away for more. I’m guilty of it, that’s for sure.
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Hi Carolyn!
Yes, I think we are all guilty at times. Turning that around into something positive changes the energy. That’s all I try to do, but I wasn’t always that way. I am glad I am now. 🙂
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“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music” – Nietzsche
That is my absolute favorite Nietzsche quote.
Way to grab the moment and enjoy it. I LOVE dancing and will dance without music. lol
Your story reminds me of a great memory. My daughter and I lived with my parents off and on throughout her life. My parents listen to a lot of “oldies” – 50’s & 60’s music. Apparently my daughter, Lauren would jam out with them when she got home from school. (unknown to me as I was at work).
One day I came home early and from outside I could hear music coming thru the front door. And I mean LOUD music. I open the door and walk inside and stand at the doorway to the den. I watched Lauren and my mother dancing away to, Life Could Be A Dream (Sha-Boom Sha-boom) by the Crewcuts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR_ds7ZF8Xg
Its hard to explain, but there was pure joy and happyness on their faces. They were laughing and singing and dancing away. When it was over they fell onto the couch in peals of laughter. My child was maybe 16 years old and that would of made my mother 75 years old at the time.
Dance often with your hubby and the children. Its good for the soul. Thanks for reminding me of a very special memory.
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HA! That’s great! Love that quote! I think “different” is really okay, ya know?
Ahhh, peedee, what a sweet, sweet memory. That brought tears to my eyes. How precious and joyful. If everyone had a memory like that….we’d all be insane. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that. Playing that song and sha-booming!
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