Two weeks ago I went to listen to a new band. When I got there the band was almost done playing the first set. Usually the dance floor is packed at this time on Saturday evening. It was a new band and many of the locals were probably not familiar with the band so it was less crowded than usual.
Within 5 minutes of me getting there, the band takes a break and everyone goes back to their tables. The band starts playing again but nobody is dancing. Suddenly I see this older gentleman seating at the front, he is probably in his early 70s. He is dressed in all black, very non-descript, his hair is a bid matted and his face looks tired and old. He stands up goes to the dance floor and starts dancing all by himself. I know what you are thinking, shocking. Right?
Usually you will see girls dancing by themselves or see one couple dancing by themselves but a guy dancing by himself! Very unusual, unless they are drunk and this guy was not. I could tell everyone was looking at him. Don’t get me wrong, he had rhythm but still dancing all alone!
I was enjoying some yummy appetizers so not sure what prompted me to stand-up and go dancing with this brave gentleman. Maybe I felt sorry for him or maybe there was something about his confidence that attracted me to him. I approached him quietly from the side and when I was finally standing in front of him I realized he was totally in his zone; confident, eyes closed with a look of total joy, enjoying the music. Then he opened his eyes and realized I was standing in front of him dancing, he gave me the most amazing smile—like now he could enjoy this moment with another human being. He stretched out his hands and grabbed mine and he twirled me around the floor and I felt the music in my soul and we danced.
As I was reflecting on that moment I realized that this older gentleman had a unique confidence that comes from knowing who you are and not being afraid to step out on your own regardless of what is going on around us. More importantly I realized that when he opened his eyes and saw me there, he invited me into the confidence of his world and when he grabbed me and twirled me around the dance floor, we became partners enjoying the moment and it was beautiful.
I have been thinking about that moment for the last few days, pondering how his ways translate to everyday life. When you know who you are, and you are confident in your strengths and even weaknesses, you can invite others into your life and pass that confidence to them, you can invite them into the journey with you and life is beautiful!
Would you have gotten up to dance with the old gentleman in an empty dance floor? Why not?
Fearless Frances
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