Dancing in the Streets

Dancing in the Streets - Marvin Gaye

A couple weeks ago my daughter and I were driving over the Burrard Street bridge on the way to Granville Island.  A wonderful place to spend a Sunday afternoon.  While crossing the bridge I watched a woman - in her late 20's skipping - wildly skipping likely prompted by the music from her headphones and perhaps the warmth of the mid winter sun.   Not a care in the world, enjoying the day, the freedom, the sheer joy of skipping to the music.   She progressed into a series for twirls, arms outstretched, propelling her forward.  Dancing and singing.

She wasn't thinking about her next day, next hour or next minute.  She didn't care how others saw her, whether they judged her, whether they thought she was off her rocker.  Just enjoying the music and the moment.   I saw her for less than a minute yet her smile sticks with me still.

I want to let myself be that woman on the bridge from time to time.   I want to spend more time smiling, skipping and twirling than I do planning, worrying and thinking.   It begins with a bit more dancing in the kitchen and singing out loud while driving,  despite the strong protests of my kids.