Sit It Out or Dance?

Nostalgia hit as I was driving down the road, after a long day at work. I was exhausted. I hadn't had energy in over a month, due to medical issues, and I was ready to be done with them, though they wanted to stick around. I wanted to run. To exercise. To feel carefree. I wanted things to be "normal", whatever that means. A slower song came on the radio and I mindlessly went to change the radio station. Something stopped me. A song started playing that was so inspirational to me when I was in high school. The rush of memories enveloped me and the words of the song lingered in my mind the rest of the drive home. The song: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack.



(Video from YouTube)

You see, in high school, dancing was pretty much my life. I danced any chance I got. I was a part of a competitive team, my basement became a studio, and sometimes, I was even known to dance through the grocery store. I remembered liking this song the first time I heard it because it what about dancing. Then, I listened to the words and like it even more. Looking back, the trials I went through then seem so small, but I was convinced that dancing through life would ease the burdens that would come. It motivated me to keep going and move forward without fear.

I listened to that song so much, that after a while, I did get a little tired of it. However, hearing it again, I realized how deep the meaning is and how applicable it is right now, especially battling the physical and other issues that have been sent my way.

Here are some of the lyrics:

"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder"
"Always keep the hunger"
"Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens"
"Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance"
"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance"
"Never settle for the path of least resistance"
"Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'"
"Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance."
"Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone"

When battling chronic conditions, and any other condition or sickness, the lines above can be both motivating and uplifting. Shortly after I became sick with gastroparesis (and before knowing what I had), I was told to find things that calmed me. One of those things turned out to be dancing. I was in a situation where I could not dance a ton, but doing simple stretches and barre exercises seem to help me get lost in the movement. It brought peace.

I know that I am no the only who has seen doors close, lost hope, would have rather taken a smoother path or wished for an easier life. I know that the fear of the obstacles ahead can be paralyzing. I know that by not taking chances, we are more apt to have regrets in the future. Our drive, wonder, hunger, and hope will help us to look back and be satisfied knowing that we did our very best.

I understand not everyone dances. I don't believe that is the complete message of this song. If you are not a dancer, insert an uplifting or freeing hobby or talent in the place of the word dance, like hike, run, skip, sing, draw, hunt, etc. The hope is that you take the opportunities that come your way, and embrace them, no matter what challenges and/or difficulties you have.

One last line:

"May you never take one single breath for granted".

Live life to the fullest and make each day the best, despite what you may be facing. You have the choice to sit it out or to dance.

Believe me, if all else fails, Dance (or swim, or bike, or soar)!!!!