Have you ever sat on the sidelines watching others have fun, desperately wanting to partake but was afraid if you did, you would be told: “you’re not acting your age?” I was often told growing up, “to act my age!” I do not blame my parents. They taught what they knew. Although, I carried this baggage with me into adulthood, proving no real purpose except to prevent me from fully living my life. That was me, until 2 years ago.
My friend Kate was great at bursting out in song and dance. I loved that about her. One day Kate and I left the park after an afternoon of hiking. Shortly after we left, it started to rain. She pulled the car over and asked me to get out. But it’s raining, I said. I gave her a gazillion reasons why getting out of the car was not something I wanted to do. She grabbed my hands pulled me out of the car and said, “let’s dance.” I couldn’t believe how much I resisted her invitation. But I danced in the rain. The more she encouraged me the more I felt myself let go of the resistance and had fun.
To this day, I hold that memory dear to my heart. Something so simple, and yet, it made such a significant impact in my life. It felt freeing to let go and enjoy dancing in the rain with someone who cared enough to help me release a shackle.
The mantra “act your age” still rings in my ear when I want to bring the child out in me to play. But I continue to practice letting go of that mantra, and when the opportunity presents itself, I am reminded by that kind and gentle nudge, to dance in the rain.
Let it go, let it go I Can’t hold it back anymore
Here’s to you, Kate. THANK YOU!