3-Word Wisdom 18 - Dance with abandon

One of the joys of blogging has been the wonderful feedback I have received. Some of the most delightful comments have come from a high school acquaintance who, like me, is celebrating her Big 6-0 this month. She and I knew of each other in school, but she was among Hubby’s group – cool kids – and I was on the periphery with my small circle of bookish, geeky misfits. Our paths rarely crossed, and we may have never met again, but for the inception of social media. We are Facebook friends, and are facing 60 together as if we are one! We live hundreds of miles apart, and have not seen each other for over 40 years - yet she has extended a virtual hand and invited me to dance my way into the next decade. Each blog post has inspired a different song from the 60’s, and she shares it with me via Facebook. We're singing – and dancing – together!

I have always loved to dance. Not the ballet or tap lessons of my daughter’s childhood. My earliest dance instruction came from then teenage Sister. I was her dance partner as we watched Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in the late 50’s. I loved how she swung and twirled me to the innocent rock and roll tunes of the day. Mom and Dad did their part, and taught me the Charleston and Foxtrot – the dances of their youth. Our German friends introduced me to the polka and my college roommate and I spent every Thursday night at the local Greek restaurant to assemble for whatever the folk dance the instructor was offering that evening. Dancing has always made me happy – and Daughter, Nieces, friends and I have spent many a girl’s trip on any number of dance floors, moving to the music. Thankfully no cameras have recorded us – I hope!

Hubby and I still love to dance. We have been partners for so long that we know the subtle hold or hand grip that signals the flow from one step to the next. It’s not Dancing with the Stars, but it is ours. No one else exists when I am in Hubby’s arms, and when the occasional onlooker stops by to tell us how cute we are, I’m never quite sure if it’s meant a compliment!

Today’s 3-word wisdom: Dance with abandon. Let go of your inhibitions and let the music that you love inspire you. Grab a partner and dance in public - or dance alone in the privacy of your home. Feel the freedom of movement and forget your worries. I promise you that whatever your mood, dancing will make you happy! Teri, thank you for dancing with me to 60. I can't wait to see which tune you have selected for today!

Hubby and Daughter

Paula and Son