“You Look Weird Dancing Like That”

I have a triumph to share. All you dancers out there should appreciate this one.

I'm in a crowded bar, zero alcohol in my system, DJ's running 90's hip-hop classics, and I'm vibing out (a bit more intensely than most everyone else, what can I say, I've been feeling myself lately). This woman comes over to me, taps me on the shoulder, and with a look of disapproval on her face and a vibe about her like she was letting me in on some big secret and speaking on behalf of everyone at the bar, she leans in and says "I think you should know that you look really weird dancing like that".

There was a time, not too long ago, when that would have crushed my self-esteem like a knife popping a balloon, I would have soaked up that judgment like a sponge, hung my head in shame, and felt super unsafe for a few minutes before leaving the bar and going home to hide from further judgment. I mean, shit. Isn't that exactly what all the people who are afraid of dancing fear most? Someone doing exactly that?

I smiled at her, told her "the weirdness is the best part", and continued vibing out. I would almost say that it felt good to be targeted in that way, because it gave my dancing more meaning. It challenged me to connect with myself on an even deeper level than I was already.

The judgments of others can only harm me if I am not at peace with my own inner judge. As long as I am in control of the judge inside of me, judgments that come from outside me can never penetrate my bubble of self love without my consent.

In other words, I'm juuuuuuust about done giving a fuck.

Hello freedom! I'm coming for ya. We've got a long life ahead of us!