Fun Friday – Dancing in the streets

 

Have you been sitting in front of a screen a lot lately? You’re so popular that everyone wants you to attend their virtual event. You have been sitting long enough, it’s time to get up and get moving. Don’t let the pandemic push you into a corner of seclusion.

One sunny day in the middle of winter, and in the middle of a pandemic, it was my birthday. I didn’t have any travel plans, I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant, so I did what I do best, created my own fun. Like songstress Patti LaBelle sang, I got a New Attitude – from my head to my shoes.

Patti LaBelle New Attitude

My new attitude consisted of a new dress, new hairstyle, and new magnetic eyelashes (that I didn’t know how to use). I told my son, “Grab that camera of yours, we’re going on a photo shoot.”

It was fun playing dress-up to go nowhere, except to an area near our house and take photos. Like any budding photographer, my son said, “Come over here, this would make a nice shot.” Somehow we ended up in the middle of the street taking photos (do this at your own risk, be careful).

After a few minutes, my other son arrived on the scene with music playing from his phone. Have you ever heard a song come on the radio, or through a loudspeaker, and you immediately begin to bob your head? Your shoulders join the movement, your arms begin to sway, within seconds you’re dancing like you’re on a dance show.

It happened to me, in the middle of a quiet street as my son blasted the song Brick House by The Commodores. Music is my happy place; I began Dancing in the streets (another song). My son the influencer began chanting, “Go mama, go mama.” So, I kept going, dancing, and he joined in.

The Commodores Brick House

Little things can brighten your day. Dancing in the streets may not be your idea of fun. Punch up your music and dance on the porch or boogie in your backyard. Create a happy place.

During this pandemic and going forward, find your happy place and go there often. When you have time check out the songs I’ve listed and get your body moving.

Martha and The Vandellas - Dancing in the Street

Words of Wisdom – Laughter H.E.L.P.S. – A Happier, Healthier, You

 

Did you know that laughter improves your mood, and reduces the stress response? This is one of the many reasons why I recommend a dose of laughter every day. Include laughter as part of your self-care.

Speaking of self-care…I promised to reveal the cover of my forthcoming eBook:

Laughter H.E.L.P.S. - A Happier, Healthier, You

Without further ado…here it..is…

Inspiration, Self-care, Humor

Share a comment about something that made you laugh recently.

Motivational Monday – A Lighthouse of Encouragement

 

Photo Credit: Independent Institute

A tower with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators – that is the definition of a lighthouse. There was no lighthouse in sight on the steamy August night with the sky blanketed in darkness. No streetlights, no porch lights, only people walking with the flashlight from their phones to guide them. There was a blackout.

The week was going well in the gated community where no cars were allowed. It was my first time at the week-long writer’s workshop ten years ago. I met people that I now call friends. Our living quarters were historic homes that reminded me of a bed and breakfast. Some houses had wraparound porches, a picket fence, and a quaint living room.

It was past dinnertime when I settled in to read over my workshop notes. The bedside lamp silently went dark. I peeked out of my third-floor window; everything was pitch black. I stepped into the narrow hallway as the two other occupants of my floor did the same. We chatted a moment.

“There’s a power outage. I received a text saying there is electricity at a couple of buildings near the front of the community,” One woman shared.”

“Thanks, I may head that way.”

I grabbed my phone and a pillow and began my half mile journey toward the front of the quaint village. I’d never been in a blackout before; I took tentative, slow steps because I couldn’t see anything that was more than two feet in front of me. A lighthouse was needed to guide me in the right directions.

After walking a few blocks, I hear a voice near me, “It’s really dark out here, are you headed to the annex building?”

“Yes, let’s walk together.”

That was the day I met Mary Louise. We chatted about how much we were learning at the workshop. We learned about things we have in common, such as being directionally challenged.

“Do you think we can find our way out of the darkness and into the light?” We laughed, took baby steps, and followed others walking toward the well-lit, airconditioned building. We found encouragement in each other’s company. Throughout the rest of the workshop, we were like a child with a new best friend.

“Let’s sit together during lunch tomorrow,” Mary Louise said.

We shared mealtimes, met up after class sessions, and learned our way around the community (by the end of the week). I knew I had to pass the big yellow house with the lace curtains in the window, to get to my living quarters.

Mary Louise and I encouraged each other during the week, and we’ve kept in contact over the past ten years. She is now a published author. Her children’s book is TheWind Called My Name, by Mary Louise Sanchez.

Be a lighthouse of encouragement to someone. Let your powerful light shine wherever you go. You may be the inspiration someone needs at that moment.