Music is a very important part of my life. When I am driving my truck, I am listening to a variety of Pandora stations on my i-phone, played through my dashboard radio. In my exercise room and in my wood shop I listen to music that I have downloaded to my i-pod. I like for the music to be a part of me and for me to be a part of the music. That’s just a fancy way of saying I turn up the volume.
On my i-pod I have a playlist called “Life Songs.” This is a collection of songs from various artists that have what I consider to be valuable lessons in the lyrics. One of my favorite songs on this playlist is I Hope You Dance, sung by Lee Ann Womack. The song was written by Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers. The central message of the song is summed up in the repeated phrase, “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
Some of the other phrases that are worth mentioning are,”I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,” “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,” “I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,” “When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider,” and “Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’.” Well, actually I like the whole song, and if you are interested in reading the rest of the lyrics, Google it.
Ray Price sings a song on this playlist that was written by Kris Kristofferson called I’d Rather Be Sorry. The message is much the same. “I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done, than for something that I didn’t do.”
Then there is the song written by Randy Meisner of The Eagles fame. Little Big Town performs it. The title is Tryin’. The chorus says, “It’s about hoping, it’s about dreaming. It’s about never not believing. It’s about taking a walk out on the wire and never looking down. It’s about living instead of dying. It’s about spreading your wings and flying…it’s all about trying.”
So, what’s your dance? Is it a simple change of habit or a major lifestyle change? Does it have to do with where you live, where you work, what you believe? Are your relationships involved in the steps? Your music is playing. You have a choice to sit it out or dance. So put on your dancing slippers, and when you are ready…
5-6-7-8.
Waking of the Bear 
I don’t remember when that song came out, but this phrase has stayed with me forever, and it applies to so many aspects of life. Of course you appreciate it more the older you get.
“I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done, than for something that I didn’t do.”
My personal music and dance is anything that calms and inspires. My beliefs are my foundation.
Thanks for your comment. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read all the lyrics to “I Hope You Dance.” It is a very powerful song. Better still, listen to it on Google.
I downloaded the words and sent them along to others with a link to the music video. You are right, and thank you for the wonderful suggestion.
The Swiss have an expression which goes something like, “When I am happy, my joy runs over with music, song and dance.” Music also has healing qualities at every level. In other words, it is part of that which we know as human. Harmony is perfect order in all things. As Wayne Dyer is often known to express: Uni – Verse, One Song. Let’s all sing and dance together.
Sometimes it takes will power and even a bit of courage to take out my slippers and dance, but at this point in my life, I’m happy to say my slippers look well used.
Good for you. I saw a quote today that said, “I was dancing like no one was watching, but someone was watching, thought I was having a seizure and called an ambulance.” Thanks for the comment.
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