I had a not-so-awesome day last week. The kind that is hard to shake. That puts you into a bit of a funk. Yesterday I was so DONE with my funk. I thought about my Happiness List. And then I realized I forgot to include the one, sure-fire way to lift my mood and make me laugh.
DANCE PARTY!!!!!
I’ve always been a dancer. From early days of tap, ballet, and jazz dance lessons (sadly, the teacher moved away after a few years of lessons and my small town offered no other option. I was stuck at beginner level). In college, I had the most fun group of friends and we LOVED to dance. At the time, my nickname was “Downtown Lisa Brown” – my maiden name, plus a play on the old MTV VJ Julie Brown. I thought it was kinda cool. Now it’s a bit embarrassing.
But anyway. I love to dance. Always have. I don’t get a whole lot of opportunities these days (or decades), so the dance party often needs to be self-created.
This week-end we’re having a girls week-end at my house, with the boys out of town. So my girls have been my dance partners. Thankfully Taylor loves to dance and Lauren will occasionally tolerate my silliness. It’s possible there are morbidly embarrassing clips on Snapchat somewhere, but I’m going to assume they are all immediately deleted like all good Snapchats, shared amongst a few good girlfriends who already know I have a seriously silly side.
The best thing about self-created dance party is you get to DJ. My playlist is ever-changing. This week-end it has included:
- All Summer Long, Kid Rock – This is simply a classic. It reminds me of home. Even though he references Northern Michigan, it’s a play on Sweet Home Alabama, which reminds me of the South, which reminds me of home.
- Hit Me Baby One More Time, Britney Spears – Duh. It’s Britney. Every good dance party needs Britney.
- This is How We Do, Katy Perry – Katy is also a classic. Hard to go wrong. Silly lyrics. I love the part about picking your car up at the valet…and it’s Tuesday!
- How Will I Know, Whitney Houston – Lauren has a retro fascination with Whitney, so this was actually her choice. No complaints here. I had the cassette tape back in the day.
- You’re the One That I Want, Grease – Perhaps the biggest classic of all time. Requires much over-the-top acting. Impossible not to love this one.
- Be Humble, Kendrick Lamar – A more modern choice. This is actually Taylor’s current favorite song. She smiles huge and really grooves to it. I actually love this one too. You likely want to find the clean version on this one.
- 7-11, Beyoncé – Another Lauren choice. There are specific dance moves to this one. You can find them on YouTube. Not for the faint of heart.
The best thing is the playlist should change frequently – whatever makes you happy. I strongly encourage singing along, poorly if needed.
And I guarantee – your mood will lift – happiness found.
The Redefining 