Drop In A Bucket List

Chapter 7 Just Dance

Just Dance

On a beautiful day in October my brother got married.  Watching a couple commit their lives to each other was a renewal of faith that I desperately needed to see.  A rainbow appeared in the sky as my brother and his new wife exchanged their vows.  It was powerful to see one of God’s promises on display while two people made promises to each other.

The reception that followed the wedding was a blast.  The bridesmaids and groomsmen from the wedding party were a fun group of people.  Delicious food, awesome cake, and great drinks were enjoyed by all.  After several glasses of wine I was in the mood to dance.

I don’t know if any of you enjoy a little game called “Just Dance” on Wii, but I play it all the time.  So much, in fact, that I have several of the dances memorized completely.  So when the DJ played “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson, I stood in the middle of the dance floor and started doing all the choreographed moves.  I closed my eyes and let the music take over.

After a few seconds I started hearing hoots and cheers from my family.  I opened my eyes and the dance floor had cleared except for me.  I was in the spotlight whether I wanted to be or not.  I went with it.  Now, I’m not claiming to be a great dancer, but what I lack in ability I make up for in bravery and sheer abandon. 

Dancing alone made for several long minutes, but I enjoyed the moment.  By the end of the song everyone was laughing and clapping.  I took a bow and high fived some of my fellow guests.  I had done it.  With no prior planning, I had accomplished an item on the bucket list.  I had danced a “Just Dance” song in public.  I had walked out onto a dance floor and owned, if only for a moment. 

That’s what I love about my life; it’s full of unexpected things.  I conquered a small fear that night.  No one made fun of me for my silliness, in fact, they celebrated me for it.  Not everything has to be so serious. Nothing feels better than when someone says to you, “I wish I had the guts to do that.”  That’s what I took away from my impromptu dance.  Don’t give yourself a chance to back down from a challenge.  If an opportunity presents itself, just go with it.  The worst thing that can happen is it will be a disaster, and I’m willing to bet the people around you will be there to help you clean it up.

I hope you dance and sing like no one’s watching.  Liberate yourself from what other people think.  The only opinions that matter are the ones that make you better.