Today’s moment of zen comes courtesy one of those sign-holders from the corner — advertising a large pizza for $9.99 or a closeout sale at Toys ‘R’ Us.
I was driving home from the gym, thinking about a long list of personal to-dos that waited for me at home. And just as I was about to let out a big “woe is me” sigh, I saw him.
Dressed as a big orange dog, holding a sign and doing the running man. Then the worm. Then back on his feet for a little Tootsie Roll. (He did much better than Paula’s guy…)
I’ve never been so thankful for a red light, because the delay allowed me to watch the person go through a long arsenal of moves. As I sat there, I realized that the smile across my face was so big it actually hurt my cheeks and dried out my mouth.
And I realized…I’ve had it wrong from the beginning. This phrase that I’ve always held so dear:
Source: tonicoward.blogspot.com via Diana on Pinterest
is backwards.
I think we should dance like everyone is watching — with happiness and passion, not caring what all of those people think or say. If I were to dance as if noone was watching, I would dance for myself alone, and it might reflect my mood…if I were tired, my dance would be slow. If I were mad, it might be jerky. Even if I were happy, the dance might be short.
If I knew that everyone was watching my actions every hour of every day, I’d like to think I’d be like that dancing dog. I’d make a statement, make big gestures, try to make those around me smile and pass the time having fun rather than just standing around.
If I knew that everyone was watching, I’d pay more attention to what I wore and what I said. I’d spend more time trying to make a difference and I’d worry less about how much money I had or what cool things I owned.
If I knew that everyone was watching, I’d go above and beyond any tasks assigned to me, because I’d expect others to do the same.
I know it’s lofty and maybe this is too namaste for you. But something changed when I saw that dancing dog this week, and it’s proof that inspiration and motivation can come at any time, anywhere and from anyone.
Now admit it — can you do the Tootsie Roll? What’s your go-to dance?
Source: demotivatingposters.com via Jennifer on Pinterest
About Katy
If I had this mentality, I’s spend less time THINKING about the world around me and instead ACTING in it! Great post!
Calvin recently posted..Your Blog: Less is More
I love this! I think I’m going to start like everyone’s watching, today.
P.S. Almost wish I could tell you I do a mean tootsie roll.
LOL. I’ve seen the dog! He’s pretty talented. There’s a sign spinner for an apartment complex that is like, Cirque Du Soleil good too. They are so fun to watch! God bless red lights, right? Glad the pooch cheered you up.
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Ready to Go
What an inspirational post. I love that twist on things because it’s true…we need to live with energy and passion.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun recently posted..Stuffed With Emptiness: Escape With Alcohol…Or Escape Life Altogether
Great post!
I’ve found living life with gusto … whether knowing others are watching or I do it for myself … is living life to the fullest and that’s what makes it meaningful!
So dance on!
Janet Oberholtzer recently posted..Do You Face Reality or Live a Lie?
Love it…and while I cant dance for squat…I do pretty much live life to the fullest…and don’t change when people are watching or not….because reality is…people (someone somewhere) is always watching….I’m the same 24/7 enjoying life, inspiring others (hopefully…I aim to do that daily) and while you won’t see me physically dancing…I’ll dance in spirit
wishing I had moves!
Tara Burner recently posted..Thankful Thursday – randomness
Great point! That’s a really good way to look at it.
BTW, thanks for the pic. It made me chuckle. teehee
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Souper Day
Awesome post!! I think we all need this reminder once in a while!
Jackie @ That Deep Breath recently posted..Meal Planning: For the Week
Love this! When I think about my world like this (or when I think about how I would act if I lived with or worked for God), I am a much happier and better person – less selfish, more selfless, and more confident with my actions!
deva @ deva by definition recently posted..Goal-setting: November
While I don’t have the ability to dance WELL, I am grateful for the ability to dance in the first place. I might look insane, but I have a blast doing it!
Amber K recently posted..Halloween Fun
Hahaha! that last picture is totally me dancing!!! Maybe not exactly, but that’s pretty much how I feel I look
LOL!!! I wish I saw it too! Do you think that dancing dog would dance what way if he didn’t have a costume to hide under? Hmmm.
Brooke recently posted..Autumn at the Secret Beach
I love this quote, I just repined it
But I like your twist on it, good one!
Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen recently posted..Music preferences
Clever Katie!
Your posts are always insightful. No exception here!
I {{heart}} dancing poochies! Or, anyone that dances.
Ahhh …. to be youthful (or agile!) again. (Sigh)
In those olden-days, it was super-easy to twist and turn, slide and jump, to more or less pose/dance my body into a pretzel. My sisters and I would jitterbug in our bedrooms …. with a doornob for a partner while going nuts doing the twist with every move. Most likely I laughed and smiled too. Love those precious memories.
These days I enjoy watching other folks bend their bodies backwards + sweat it out!
Your posts are great fun. Gives us all something to think and grin about.
Spot on, Katy! Your understanding isn’t too namaste, it simply is.
Hot Coco recently posted..Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving
Spot on, Katy! Your understanding isn’t too namaste, it simply is. I love when synchronicities like that happen so we get what we need.
Hot Coco recently posted..Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving