Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while here we may as well dance!
By James72
@James72 (26790)
Australia
August 3, 2009 2:46am CST
Isn't this a wonderful saying? 
I just received an email that shares some inspiring words that we could all benefit from. I'd post it all here, but there's no source provided and I don't wish to paste it in entirety without one. Here are some parts that particularly stood out for me:
"When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over."
"Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit'."
"Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. Why are you waiting?"
Well? Why ARE you waiting then? Are you dancing right now or are you sitting there without the slightest hint of a spring in your step?
Read these words, absorb them and start dancing!
I just received an email that shares some inspiring words that we could all benefit from. I'd post it all here, but there's no source provided and I don't wish to paste it in entirety without one. Here are some parts that particularly stood out for me:
"When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over."
"Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit'."
"Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. Why are you waiting?"
Well? Why ARE you waiting then? Are you dancing right now or are you sitting there without the slightest hint of a spring in your step?
Read these words, absorb them and start dancing! 11 people like this
22 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
3 Aug 09
So true! Thanks for sharing this James. Sometimes, we do forget the importance of sipping in the joy and love and beauty that the life constitutes of. We run, run and run till we come to the edge and jump. We must live every moment and NOT postpone the joy.
My life has been different until recently when I got to realise this. I live by my priorities and try to dance with two left feet. And it works james. It really does.
3 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
Sometimes I feel as if I'm a human centipede and trying to dance with 100 feet! 
The running to the edge and jumping reference you made is an interesting one! There's such a finite moment between actually taking that leap and letting doubt creep in. So many of us will lose that moment and become a slave to procrastination and disbelief rather than let go of the doubt and fear and just LEAP. Oh to be able to always jump! I am happy to know of your recent realisations too because life IS short and to reach a level of understanding within ourselves like this is empowering to say the least! Happy 2 left feet dancing mimpi!
The running to the edge and jumping reference you made is an interesting one! There's such a finite moment between actually taking that leap and letting doubt creep in. So many of us will lose that moment and become a slave to procrastination and disbelief rather than let go of the doubt and fear and just LEAP. Oh to be able to always jump! I am happy to know of your recent realisations too because life IS short and to reach a level of understanding within ourselves like this is empowering to say the least! Happy 2 left feet dancing mimpi!1 person likes this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
18 Aug 09
I danced like a centipede today!! rEALLY i DID! I had a whale of a time doing the most monotonous job. I enjoyed every bit of the time! In between I had a nice chat which gave me more energy to get going!
1 person likes this
@med889 (5941)
•
3 Aug 09
This is a good discussion and I am happy to respond to it, well you said it very beautifully and I appreciate it a lot, life is surely not the party I hoped personally and I have been forced to learn dancing though to stay alive in this party. Sometimes we have to forget things u and dance even if we are just a beginner.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
I'm glad you've enjoyed these words med889. No, life isn't always how we expect it to be at all, but with the right attitude towards it we have a better chance of surviving it mentally intact! Wouldn't it be wonderful to always be able to dance by default rather than have to be forced to do it? 
We don't have to dance well, or even ever become professionals at it; but we have to begin somewhere and today is as good a day as any!
We don't have to dance well, or even ever become professionals at it; but we have to begin somewhere and today is as good a day as any! 1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
3 Aug 09
Bro, I need some music.. gimme some music to dance to. 
Awesomely said.. this discussion is fantastic.
It's like a fresh breath of elixir.. I like positive quotes very much, they can light up my day even at the darkest hour. You are right..if we worry through the day, we are just losing out on the unopened gift.
Another one of my favorites would be: When one door closes, the other door opens..
Awesomely said.. this discussion is fantastic.
It's like a fresh breath of elixir.. I like positive quotes very much, they can light up my day even at the darkest hour. You are right..if we worry through the day, we are just losing out on the unopened gift.
Another one of my favorites would be: When one door closes, the other door opens..2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
The music's there mate, can you not hear it? I too have always loved positive quotes and even when I was a teenager, I had them posted all over my room! The quote you shared is definitely one of my favourites as well and oh so true. If we stop and look back on our life thus far, we'll see many, many moments where new beginnings came about when some personal era or another ended. I hope to be opening a lot more new doors in the future too!
I too have always loved positive quotes and even when I was a teenager, I had them posted all over my room! The quote you shared is definitely one of my favourites as well and oh so true. If we stop and look back on our life thus far, we'll see many, many moments where new beginnings came about when some personal era or another ended. I hope to be opening a lot more new doors in the future too!1 person likes this
Is there a box of "Happy Happy Joy Joy" we can open instead? 
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 Aug 09
I'm sitting here at my desk and if I get up and start dancing, maybe they'll make me go home and take a stress day!!! 
@phillip_shiny (2330)
• India
3 Aug 09
Thats really awesome. Life quotes are really wonderful. It depends upon how deeper we take it. Those lines are great. The living of the present is the extent of the full live we are living. When we enjoy the present even it is tough, life is easy and it will really be a party that rocks. Nice discussion ... Thanks for sharing. Happy mylotting.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
To provide yet another quote: "The past is history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is a gift. That's why it's called the "present"!" I'm happy to see that you've enjoyed these words because they truly are important ones! And yes, we mustn't just READ them we should wholeheartedly take them in, believe in them and LIVE them too. Happy mylotting to you also Phillip!
I'm happy to see that you've enjoyed these words because they truly are important ones! And yes, we mustn't just READ them we should wholeheartedly take them in, believe in them and LIVE them too. Happy mylotting to you also Phillip! 1 person likes this
@munhozmib (3836)
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
4 Aug 09
Hello there!
Wonderful words we have here. I really enjoyed the title of the discussion, it motivates me. And motivation is the key for everything, isn't it? I guess everybody should stop by to think about their lives. People should stop rushing, stop racing against themselves. They will never win, because time will take them out later. Why win? We don't always have to win. We have won already, by being here. Now, winning or losing, let's just enjoy.
Respectfully,
Munhozmib.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
4 Aug 09
Heya Munhozmib! Motivation in life is SO important! It's not an easy thing to maintain, but we should seek it wherever we can because inspiration in life takes us to great heights! Time passes regardless and we have 2 choices really. We can either pace ourselves and enjoy each and every moment for what it is; or we can rush, rush, rush and then one day look back and wonder what the heck happened. I know which one I'd prefer! Easy in theory, sure, but we owe it to ourselves to try and look at things this way.
Motivation in life is SO important! It's not an easy thing to maintain, but we should seek it wherever we can because inspiration in life takes us to great heights! Time passes regardless and we have 2 choices really. We can either pace ourselves and enjoy each and every moment for what it is; or we can rush, rush, rush and then one day look back and wonder what the heck happened. I know which one I'd prefer! Easy in theory, sure, but we owe it to ourselves to try and look at things this way. @hiddenwing (3719)
• China
3 Aug 09
Sorry, something just distracts me so much that I can't focus on the words that you wrote well! Someone has visited me for days, but someone left this afternoon to a far far away town for something!
So, I wanna read your discussion and make a new start! For what it is worth, I can work a little bit harder tomorrow!
After reading all these words, my mind is still empty! It is too empty! I thought it was too hard to change a habit! When you got used to see someone around everyday, you would find it extremely weird if someone disappeared from view suddenly!
Sorry, I hope I read your funny discussion and I can get happier! Then, I could do some important things that I have to do! I don't wanna talk to anybody now! So, I just wrote some blur blur things here!
Anyway, tomorrow is another day!
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
They visited and were with you for days, that's the main thing! Better than no visit at all yes? It's the perfect platform for a new start too I reckon.You can take the highs of having them there and use these positive feelings to launch yourself onwards and upwards! What you've shared about habits is a good point to bring up. Good habits can be formed quickly if we believe in what we're doing and why; and the only way to eliminate a bad one is to replace it with a good one. Tomorrow is definitely another day and always remember too that every sad minute wasted is a minute that you can never, ever get back.
It's the perfect platform for a new start too I reckon.You can take the highs of having them there and use these positive feelings to launch yourself onwards and upwards! What you've shared about habits is a good point to bring up. Good habits can be formed quickly if we believe in what we're doing and why; and the only way to eliminate a bad one is to replace it with a good one. Tomorrow is definitely another day and always remember too that every sad minute wasted is a minute that you can never, ever get back.1 person likes this
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
3 Aug 09
Wow, you comment is just great! I've already saved it in my computer! haha
I could use these words to show off in the future!
"You have a hope for someone something, that's the main thing! Better than no dream at all yes? You can take the highs of having them there and use these positive feelings to launch yourself onwards and upwards! Next minute is another minute and always remember too that every sad minute wasted is a minute that you can never, ever get back."
I just changed it a little. Then, I could tell someone this if someone ever got sort of sad in my real life!
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
4 Aug 09
Partners aren't even needed a lot of the time because we can dance to life without them and still enjoy it! Try the laundry sink too by the way, there's heaps more room in there and they seem to make laundry sinks far more sturdier than the one in the kitchen. The laundry sink can take those Can-Can kicks just fine, promise!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
3 Aug 09
I love your title and this is right, I am stuck at an asssisted living place because we were homeless and my son out of work. so better than sleeping on a park bench.hes also in an apartment with three other out of work guys in a transitional housing so that they have a place to live while they hunt for jobs. so I am indeed dancing rather than sulking and feeling so damned sorry for myself. I am mylotting again and thats something I want to do. I hope my son finds work and we get back together soon but meanwhile I may as well dance. each day is a gift, a gift of life if nothing else, so we should be happy not sad.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
This is a fantastic attitude to have Hatley and it just goes to show that even in the face of adversity, there IS hope, positivity and joys to be found. As long as we're prepared to acknowledge them, they're there! The Law of Attraction will bring many wonderful things your way before you know it, I'm confident of this. I look forward to hearing good news about your Son's employment status and then about the 2 of you reuniting as things should be.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
3 Aug 09
Good morning James. Well my life sure hasn't been the party I hoped for but I think I will take the day off and dance. Dance to the music! When you see a phrase that you know is from a song do you just read it or does the music pop up in your head?
2 people like this
@jheLaichie (4438)
• Philippines
3 Aug 09
as what is stated here from your post my friend "Life is not a race."
we must take life one step at a time. and always embrace the goodness of it all. enjoy what life has to offer and never be affected with our daily problems. because everything comes for a reason and all we need to do is stand up for it and pray.
so lets dance for our life's blessings. lets have fun and make each day a day worth living for!!!
jhelai
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
Nicely said jheLaichie! We are only human after all and can't be upbeat and positive ALL the time, but we do owe it to ourselves to be more focused on the silver linings in life! The Law of Attraction for one is always in play and positivity attracts positivity! Why stand in the corner and watch the festivities pass us by if we can jump on in and boogie with the best of them? I agree with you about everything happening for a reason too. We may not come to know these reasons as quickly as we'd like and in some instances, we never learn them at all; but EVERYTHING has it's purpose.
We are only human after all and can't be upbeat and positive ALL the time, but we do owe it to ourselves to be more focused on the silver linings in life! The Law of Attraction for one is always in play and positivity attracts positivity! Why stand in the corner and watch the festivities pass us by if we can jump on in and boogie with the best of them? I agree with you about everything happening for a reason too. We may not come to know these reasons as quickly as we'd like and in some instances, we never learn them at all; but EVERYTHING has it's purpose.1 person likes this
@jheLaichie (4438)
• Philippines
3 Aug 09
everything has its purpose and its up to us what to do with it. its either we dance along or just stay back and watch it goes by. life is truly a dance. it has its different beat and rhythm and whatever it may be we dance accordingly. grab it or not, we do it for a reason as always.
jhelai
jhelai2 people like this
@mkrishna22 (465)
• India
3 Aug 09
hey that sounds so pleasing. it is when we read something like this that we realise how much we are getting lost in the rat race and forgetting the basic essence of life. thanks for sharing these thoughts, they really are quite good.
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
3 Aug 09
I intend dancing James, and it's the longest marathon that you can think of. It's just that smewhere in between i got glued to the chair till i virtually got kicked out of it.
I've identified what i want and know where i want to go and i'm on my way. It may not be the party one thinks it might be, but hey i'll make it better than that.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
If you ask me, this is one of those examples where getting kicked out of a chair isn't a bad thing at all! We all get reality checks in life and these moments are crucial to our future! Where do we go from here? How do we learn from this and use this knowledge to our advantage? The important thing is to KNOW where we're headed and even more important than this is to know where we're at in the first place. It seems that you're well on track now and the best thing of all is that you're acknowledging that YOU are ultimately the one who's in control here. Party on dude! lol.
We all get reality checks in life and these moments are crucial to our future! Where do we go from here? How do we learn from this and use this knowledge to our advantage? The important thing is to KNOW where we're headed and even more important than this is to know where we're at in the first place. It seems that you're well on track now and the best thing of all is that you're acknowledging that YOU are ultimately the one who's in control here. Party on dude! lol.1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
9 Aug 09
That was really nice advice we all need to take..well I guess I can dance my way to the bedroom so I can go to bed.it is 4:40 a.m. and my lids are drooping..I do have a list of want to do later..when things get better...or when I feel better..which never get done..maybe I will feel better if i did them..well nighty nighty James..
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
10 Aug 09
I will try to stay away from it as much as I can..
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
9 Aug 09
Given the time there, a bedtime dance sounds like a very good idea! Once you've had a sleep you can start dancing your way through that to-do list as well! I reckon you'll feel better once you've done them for sure. Avoid the procrastination dance at all costs though Becca, that's one dance you definitely don't need to be doing!
Once you've had a sleep you can start dancing your way through that to-do list as well! I reckon you'll feel better once you've done them for sure. Avoid the procrastination dance at all costs though Becca, that's one dance you definitely don't need to be doing! 
@riyasam (16556)
• India
15 Aug 09
well said;life sure is not a bed of roses for me but i try to make most of it by not cribbing.keeping a positive frame of mind does help,on the other way round,nothing worthwhile is achieved by worrying!!this discussion comes at the right time when i was thinking about learning salsa.
@riyasam (16556)
• India
16 Aug 09
i am not exactly understood what lambada but considering it came from you,i am sure its a panda spanking word at my expense.as of now,i am trying to figure out whether its really a form of dance or are you pulling my leg?my comp is again acting funny and i am not able to view the videos.
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
15 Aug 09
Perfect! Now is as good a time to be learning Salsa dancing as any! You should try and get Lambada lessons in there too Mable 'cos it'll spice things up at home for sure! A positive frame of mind is the most important thing of all here. What the mind believes, the body achieves!
A positive frame of mind is the most important thing of all here. What the mind believes, the body achieves! 1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
I really can't dance while mylotting at the same time although I would love to know how!
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
Life IS beautiful! We may not recognise it's beauty at all moments, but it's always there alright if we're able to embrace it and acknowledge it's presence. We can't be happy ALL the time, but we do owe it to ourselves to try! And humour especially is so important. I'd be lost in this world without it!
We may not recognise it's beauty at all moments, but it's always there alright if we're able to embrace it and acknowledge it's presence. We can't be happy ALL the time, but we do owe it to ourselves to try! And humour especially is so important. I'd be lost in this world without it!1 person likes this
@angelajoy (1825)
• Philippines
3 Aug 09
How true all of these are! Even though I don't usually say these out load, I know them in my heart. I'm very well aware that I don't get younger every day, so I try to do as much as I can every single day. Every second counts. All of us have problems and all of us experience sadness once in a while, but I believe that the bad things only make the good things in life more precious.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
3 Aug 09
Knowing and feeling these things in our heart is far more powerful than saying them out loud, so good for you! Every second DOES count, because once they've passed, they're gone forever. And yes, it's the lows in life that help us to appreciate the highs so much more!
Every second DOES count, because once they've passed, they're gone forever. And yes, it's the lows in life that help us to appreciate the highs so much more! 