Dance Like No One’s Watching

When was the last time you danced with abandon? Maybe it was at a party, in your kitchen, or perhaps you can’t quite recall. For many, the carefree joy of dancing fades as we age, leaving us feeling self-conscious or hesitant to move to the music.

As a child, I dreamt of becoming a dancer. While circumstances didn’t align to make that dream a reality, my love for dance has never diminished. Today, though I may never grace a professional stage, I find freedom in dancing wherever and whenever the music strikes me—whether it’s while shopping with friends or being the first on the dance floor at an event.

Children are a wonderful reminder of the pure joy that dance can bring. They’ll sway to music anywhere—even in silence, finding rhythm in puddles or moments. As adults, fear of judgment and a lack of confidence often hold us back. But what if we let go of those inhibitions and embraced the rhythm instead?

Dance offers so much more than movement. It lifts our spirits, connects us to memories, burns calories, and reminds us of life’s simple joys. My parents, who met at a dance over 60 years ago, taught me the magic of dancing. My grandfather, too, shared this love through his own dance band—a legacy that I cherish even without inheriting his musical talents.

There’s a beautiful song by country artist Lee Ann Womack called “I Hope You Dance.” Its lyrics remind us to hold onto wonder and seize every opportunity to move through life with joy and gratitude.

So, next time you hear a tune, resist the urge to sit it out. Instead, let the music guide you. Dance isn’t about perfect steps or technique—it’s about expression, connection, and letting your soul shine.

Take the leap, embrace the rhythm, and remember: the dance floor is wherever you make it.

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Word for the Year: Embrace