Dance Like No One is Watching -SAHM Series

I’ve never been good at letting go, especially around new people, or people that I don’t see often, or sometimes even good friends. I’m always aware of other people around me. I don’t like to make a fool out of myself. I don’t like to be laughed at. I don’t want to be seen as a complete idiot. So I censor myself a little bit. No crazy dances, no outrageous expressions, nothing too out of character. Until, that is, I had my son. And even more so since I’ve been a SAHM.

Recently Eli and I went to a new class at the Y for toddlers. It involved singing, dancing and other methods for moms and caregivers to embarrass themselves. When I first heard about the class I thought it sounded so fun. But I also thought that the kids would be doing the activity, I didn’t know that adults were expected to join in. So we show up, me in jeans, and tee shirt and a sweater (it was cooooold outside). We were a few minutes late (or course) when we walked in. And to my amazement, the moms were all dancing around like kids again. So we plopped our stuff down on the side and wen to join in. And yes, even I danced and sang, waved my arms in the air and hopped around the room like a froggy. I felt silly, I was worried that the other mom’s thought I looked ridiculous, or that I was doing the wrong dance moves. That is until I looked up and saw the other mom’s faces. They didn’t care if I didn’t know all of the dance moves. They didn’t care that I wasn’t dressed for the occasion. They were just enjoying their time with the kids. So that’s what I did too. I jumped the crap out of being a froggy. I waved as high as my tip toes would reach. And I swam around the room like the Nemo. I danced like no one was watching. I had a blast, and Eli got a kick out of it.

Little by little I’ll get out of my comfort zone. I will actually sing in public now, if it helps prevent a tantrum. Wheels on the Bus and Bye Bye Baby are all time favorites. I give kisses and snuggles freely, any time, any place. I play the “ahh ahh, shh” game when we go grocery shopping. I often hold entire conversations with my toddler, who does sometimes answer me, while we’re out shopping. And now I hop, sing and swim around a room full of toddlers and their moms. I think it’s a good thing. It gets me out of my shell a little, and I’m learning that you can be super ultra silly, and still be an adult. It’s about time that I learned that.