What will people think?

I am currently reading Brene Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection. She says, "A good belly laugh, singing at the top of your lungs, and dancing like no one is looking are unquestionably good for the soul." That is so true. It is her opinion that the joy of doing these things is part of our DNA. But she also points out that somewhere along the way, we develop a fear of what other people will think. We don't want to be vulnerable and so we repress these activities. We don't want to be perceived as "awkward, goofy, silly, spastic, uncool, out of control, immature, stupid, and foolish."

What's worse, we often perpetuate this by putting those same restraints on our children or others in our life when they exhibit these joyful behaviors. How sad for us as a species. What can we do to reverse this? Encourage those around you to be authentic and silly and joyful. Listen to your favorite playlist while you shower or work in the kitchen or get ready for your day. I started doing this while in the shower (because I am not a morning person any more it seems, and I felt I needed the extra boost to get going). The difference it makes for my energy level and motivation is incredible. I sing, hum, even dance while listening. I feel joyful, invincible, like a force to be reckoned with!

Find a way every day to bring back a moment of not caring "what other people think" and have fun. Sing, laugh, dance, let go! And if you see someone else doing just that, don't judge them, join them!