I hope you dance - or at least - wiggle a bit!

After a couple of weeks of illness, I am acutely aware of the challenges of inactivity. Forcing myself to sit and rest when I am normally an active, "Type-A" personality was difficult and sad. Yes, sad. Even though my wonderful friends called, e-mailed and visited, brought me food, movies, books and flowers, I missed out on something that I have grown to love. Dancing.

About a year and a half ago, I joined a dance class, and was so amazed at how much fun and how good I felt both learning something new and being able to move to music. This was not music that I was used to listening to, it was Middle Eastern music! Since then I have tried different styles of dance from different parts of the world and while challenging to learn, I leave the classes smiling and happy that I have opened myself up to new cultures and experiences.

I just watched the Oprah flash mob video of thousands of people choreographed to a song that spews positivity and happiness, and I was moved again by the power of dance. As I watched the people dance in unisen to the music and saw the energy transform a city block to a celebration of all that is good and positive, my love of dance and dancers was reaffirmed. These people were not professionals, they were just like me and you. They just wanted to be a part of an experience that has changed their lives and the lives of those who watched. Because let's face it - we know that they all didn't know each other when they started dancing, but in the end, they all came together as a community with the same purpose: to spread good feelings and positive energy. They became part of a special group of dancers - dancers who want to make others happy - regardless of size, age, ability, whatever! No one judged their style, no one laughed at their efforts. I'd like to think that everyone who watched the video smiled.

This is another part of my dance adventure that I feel is the best part. The dancers I met then and continue to meet, whether they have been dancing for years or if it is their first time, they do not judge. No one looks down on anyone struggling with a new step - we are all encouraged by each other to not give up! And if it's not perfect - the only concern of the group is that we are all having fun. Maybe I am fortunate to have experienced this unique brand of acceptance, but I hope not.

My wish for you is that when you dance, or wiggle a bit, that you are not judged, but you are admired for your carefree nature, your need to shake off the blues, and hopefully make someone smile in the process. Because when you dance, you can't help but smile! I know I can't!