Shut Up and Dance

Season's greetings, everyone! I'm taking a break from decking the halls with boughs of holly* to sit down and write for a moment. My musings are inspired by two things: a trip to the post office this morning and the song on the radio as I drove back home.

The post office at this time of year is not everyone's favorite place. I have been five times in the last two weeks, apparently a glutton for queue punishment and apparently not a great planner. But you know what, I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I met an elderly woman in line last week who told me of her travels to Egypt and lands far away. Another time, the boys told a joke to the ladies behind me ("Why did the cow cross the road? To go to the mooooovies...") which earned some smiles and a few giggles amongst the line. I was proud of them.

But I tried chatting it up with the woman in front of me in line this morning and it went poorly. Her responses were one worded and her back turned to my direction; I took it as the silent message it was... to shut up. I didn't feel rejected or upset, but obviously I started analyzing her and her packages in lieu of conversation. I can turn off my mouth, but my brain sure does love to observe and there is no off button for that.

I believe more fiercely than ever that happiness is a choice. I don't quite understand why some people choose to stew while standing in a line. Don't get me wrong: I get frustrated when lines are preventable. I'm human. But if a line is a line, that is what it is: just a line. Turn on your "om" and go with the flow. We all have stories, we all have heartbreak, we all have personal struggles and journeys. I don't discount if those are the things you are stewing about - go ahead and stew and cry and help yourself through it. I've been there and am there on most days. But the rest of the time, just try to make life more pleasant for yourself or someone standing in line.

I have one tattoo on my body and it simply reads "Be happy." For the love of all that is holy, people: just live a pleasant life. Joy doesn't need to leak out of your pores, but just smile once in a while - especially if you're standing in a huge line at the post office. Talk to that crazy lady in line behind you (I don't bite!).

And now to the song that peppered my ears on the way home. It was the infectious pop hit "Shut up and Dance" by the band Walk the Moon. A bit of a departure from my usual tunes, but man I love that song. It is catchy, it is fun and it has a great message.

Merry Christmas, everyone!




*Just kidding: I'm cleaning up Legos. Again.