Everyday Canvas

Dancing

Prompt:
What does "Dance Like No One is Watching" mean to you? If you need inspiration, listen to Gabby Barrett

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Haha! I'm already doing that, and not only dancing. I live like no one is watching, nowadays. It took me a lifetime (more than seven decades), however, to get to here, to this my personal emancipation proclamation.

"Dance Like No One is Watching" is so much more than a simple adage or a line from a song. The way I see it, it is a call to live authentically and not fear anyone else's crossed brows and the shaking of those "no, no" fingers.

At its core, these words--"Dance Like No One is Watching"-- encourage a sense of freedom for living freely and not being afraid of self-expression or societal judgments, which brings up a question to my mind. Does a group or society have the right to expect too much from any individual?

I'll say, no, not too much; however, there are norms we all must adhere to for the preservation of peace. Freedom doesn't mean blasting my music at or after midnight so "I can dance," for example.

Yet, as an individual, I have the right to let go of my past inhibitions and embrace my true self and genuine emotions and the right to speak or write what's on my mind. This is also because any fear of judgment can be a significant barrier to self-expression. As writers, this is the first fear we need to overcome and act and write with confidence and vulnerability.

When we can foster such an attitude and practice such personal freedoms, without too much inhibition, we find joy and liberation not only in writing but also in all aspects of life. For we have connected to our inner self and we won't be easily swayed by others' opinions.

In short, by "dancing like no one is watching" I think I am finding a deeper appreciation for everyday experiences.