Curvy Dancer

Once the music began, she could feel the notes diffuse into her veins and flow into her system. Her entire body was taken over by the rhythm and all she could do was surrender to the melody. Her curves began to sway and she was soon prancing about like a thick elastic band. Melissa did not care she was curvy and did not fit into the stereotypes. She loved to dance and that was all.

Melissa was introduced to dancing like most little girls, through a tutu and pointes. She was a chubby little ballerina, but was the best in her class, something most people did not anticipate. Not even her own mother who had registered Melissa for dancing classes in the first place as a form of exercise and in the hope that the curves that had taken form early on would ‘straighten’.

The curves did not disappear. But Melissa’s love for dance grew.

After ballet, she underwent a period of revolution and reaction – she entered the world of hip-hop and breakdance and stunned onlookers with the elasticity of her body.

As she matured, and felt young men’s gaze on her, Melissa turned to contemporary dance, as a way of expressing what she could not utter. She got lost in the unscripted, abstract movements that took her mind off the challenges of adulthood and for that brief time made her carefree and wispy.

As she gathered experiences and passed through heartbreaks and the trials of relationships, Melissa moved onto other forms of dance – ballroom granted her grace and elegance, while Latin gave her room for expression, sassiness and vivacity.

But it was when she got acquainted with the tango that Melissa felt complete. When she met a dancing partner, who later became one for life; when she moved her feet to the rhythm with her eyes closed, succumbing to the passion and emotions the dance awakened within her. It was then that she felt most alive. When she danced, blocking out everyone and everything else. When she took off her dancing shoes with a revived sense of optimism that everything would be OK. All she had to do was believe it and dance to the rhythm in her heart.

 

N.B. April 29 is International Dance Day – a relevant article on the benefits of dance can be found here.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Curve

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Whispers of Light

It’s that moment at the break of dawn, when the sky is darkest. When you need a flashlight simply to find your way around your own balcony. That moment when the breeze is strong and carries with it the smells of dew break. It is that very moment when you’re too embarrassed to disrupt the silence.  When not even a whisper is heard and the sleeping world seems too peaceful.

But as light slowly emerges, so do the whispers that are heard, becoming a bit more decisive but still not stressing the vocal chords. It is a different moment, that of illumination. It is when day dawns, together with your plans, ideas and ambitions for the hours ahead.

And then as the sun rises, so do the people, the daily business, the noise. It is when you no longer care to keep your voice down because everyone is, or ought to be up, and about by now. It is when the whispers turn directly into loud talk, usually about anything and nothing simultaneously. When discussions happen often for the sake of it, with interlocutors competing not at wit, but at who will have the last word, no matter how trifling it may be.

It is that moment when you, who was so far whispering, acknowledge that sometimes it is better to whisper a thousand words that light up your mind, than shout ten than burn it down.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Whisper

The bold and the audacious

Ants – yes, those little creatures we so recklessly step on so often – are acutally astounding mechanical systems, in that they can lift up to 5,000 times their own body weight. But it is not only that which makes them admirable, it is their ability to work so effectively in teams – and even if acting alone, do so for the benefit of all – a trait the human race has yet to master.

You see, humans have an intrinsic underlying weakness: selfishness. The main goal it seems for many is how to gain power, to rise up above others, to stand out from the crowd, often in any way possible. They easily become intoxicated with the supremacy of power and get caught up in a vicious circle from which there is no escape.

When you spend an entire weekend watching Frank Underwood crush anyone who interferes with his plans for power, then it is only reasonable that you’ll begin to understand how being so relentless and emotionally unattached to anyone and anything can serve your own ruthlessly selfish ambitions.

It is not only about having power, however, and the means you use to acquire it. It is mainly about knowing how to use it right. That is what makes all the difference. And it is what sets people apart, either in a positive or negative light. It is the road you choose to take that will determine the legacy you leave at your footsteps.

It is the difference between being bold and being audacious.

There is a saying that “the doors will open to those who are bold enough to knock”. It takes courage to do so. Robert Frost had said that “freedom lies in being bold”, because that is how you chase after your ambitions. But that thin line that separates this fearfulness and daring nature from being reckless and uninhibited is reflected in the words of some of the world’s most prominent figures: “fortune favours the audacious”, said Desiderius Erasmus, and Benjamin Disraeli agreed, saying “success is the child of audacity”. Even Winston Churchill prompted, “the first quality that is needed is audacity”.

It seems it’s not the bold who get what they’re after, it’s the audacious ones.

And in the societies we’re growing up in, rife with conflict and controversy, people need to develop another characteristic: the ability to observe the world around them and distinguish between those who are after something for themselves, and those who are there simply to be. Those who stand by others, no matter what, and those who are only after their own interests. Those who empathise and listen when you’re unwell, and those who only selfishly care to have a good time when you’re in the mood too. Those who would do anything to rise above others at present, and those who would work to make things better for those to come.

What matter in the end is the intelligence of knowing how to wield the power the comes with power and the audacity to do it for the right reasons, no matter if you’re a lone ant, risking to be squashed.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Fake

The rule’s exceptions

It is said that there are exceptions to every rule.  Sometimes those very exceptions even prove the existence of the rule. Confused? Don’t be. While some argue that rules are made to be broken, most agree that to every rule there is almost always an exception. One that will sometimes reinstall hope and optimism when lost. The one-in-a-million chance.

It’s refreshing, for example, to realise that not all people are the same. That we don’t all fit into a mould or into the stereotypes we all love to forge for each other. Not all citizens of the same nationality exhibit the same traits, nor do people of the same gender. Persons of the same age are not all whatever we group them up to be. Take the easiest example to follow today: the present young generation is addicted to technology to such an unprecedented extent, diligently recording itself accomplishing so little. They are lazy, often ignorant, and lack substance in their mentality. But that is not always the case. There are those who use technology mainly for what it is meant to be, to communicate, to keep in touch, to facilitate their lives. But they do show interest in the world around them, volunteer, think, react, often act to bring about change we only talk about. These are the exceptions that serve as buds of hope in a world drowned by crises.

The very potential of the existence of exceptions is what also stirs up the positive “what ifs” when deliberating over choices. It is what makes you consider that it is better to take a risk and make it happen without thinking too much about it. Because, overthinking just makes things worse. It extinguishes the excitement and the optimism that things might just work out. That they might result in the way you hope.

It is these exceptions that embolden you to take the leap. You may fall flat on your face, but doesn’t that (rare) chance of you landing skillfully on your feet make it all worth it? For those times when the exception is actually better than the rule?

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Contrast

Growing green

Ari grew up in the jungle. His parents were wildlife biologists who spent most of their lives researching out on the field. So Ari really had no choice. He was born and bred in nature itself. That is why he was given a name that means “brave”. He was brought up to live up to it.

He was different to his peers, because he had learnt this other kind of life. He had grown up in an abundance of green. He knew how to appreciate the clean air, the comfort, and the healthy nutrients the forest provided, but at the same time, found out how to manage the bugs, the danger, and all the imminent risks that were around every branch.

Ari found his life to be fascinating. He didn’t need the technology and gadgets children of the same age had become so obsessed with. And he certainly did not require prompts of the “go green” style, because he had already gone there. Sure, at times it was not easy. It actually was very difficult, especially during the winter seasons when the storms came. But in Spring, everything suddenly lit up and the entire scenery bloomed in colour. It was a spectacle that somehow made everything else seem futile. Because as all the shades of light arrived and the day grew longer, life seemed happier, more carefree and much more enjoyable. It was when the young cubs would come out to play and Ari spent his entire time awake running around the forest floor or swinging from the tree branches.

Even though he grew up away from civilization, Ari did not feel lacking in anything. On the contrary, he felt complete. His friends were creatures who demonstrated exactly what they felt, and most of all were able to provide unconditional love, knowing when to appear to offer comfort and when to disappear to provide space. No matter what others thought, life in the jungle was somehow less complicated. Ari wouldn’t change it for anything. Because it taught him values that civilization has forgotten, if not lost.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Green

Worry less, giggle more

Constantine began laughing again. His teacher was annoyed, not so much because he was giggling, but because it came to him so suddenly and he often burst into laughter for no apparent reason.

Constantine was generally a very optimistic person. It was a trait many envied. And thus it was something he was despised for. Being hopeful in a world drowned by despair was not a characteristic that made you popular among your peers.

Constantine didn’t care, however. He believed that if he lived his life simply to please others, it would only make himself miserable. And there was no point in that. Sure, everyone had to abide to some rules, otherwise chaos would ensue. But there was no reason to constantly adopt the anguish of “what would everyone else think”. So, whenever a frantic giggle tickled his stomach, he allowed it to surface.

Constantine would laugh due to nothing and everything. It would be something that abruptly sprung to mind – an inside joke with one of his friends, a tagline from a movie, even a funny animal video he had watched the other day. It was often triggered by something else – everything is interrelated in the mind of a person caught on the verge of insanity and genius.

Constantine continued to giggle, even when he saw his teacher’s eyes staring at him, and breathing fire. He couldn’t help it. It would have been worse to suppress it. And after all, he knew that, just like a yawn, a giggle is contagious. His teacher soon lost control of the smile that was forming on her face, and swiftly the entire class began to laugh. It was as though light had finally entered a room embraced by dark clouds. And it was certainly more enjoyable that way.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Giggle

Sleep disturbances

If an anticipated alarm clock sounds like a siren in your ears when you’re fast asleep, a telephone ringing to interrupt your peaceful moment can only be likened to a grenade exploding. Because apart from the unexpected disturbance, you wake up in panic, disoriented as to the time, date and sometimes, even the place you are in, and then with the added anguish that something is wrong.

That is how Larry felt on that Sunday morning.

He was used to sleeping in on weekends, because he had to somehow catch up on the “shut eye” he was so lacking during the week. So, no matter what time he went to bed on Friday and/or Saturday night, he would allow himself the luxury to wake up whatever time his organism felt right, having assured an adequate amount of sleep and rest. But, when he called it a night at 2am, he didn’t expect his phone to be ringing him out of his dream eight hours later.

It’s ruthless to be woken up so abruptly. Especially, on a day of rest.

But sometimes, it is worth it. Because the morning call Larry received was for a day out in the sunshine with friends he hadn’t seen for a while. He managed to jump out of bed and be ready in half an hour, although he needed an hour more to be fully functioning, but ended up having one of the greatest days he had had in a while.

Relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean lying in bed all day – especially if that is not a trait you’re used to. Often all you really need is enjoyable people, the right location and a pleasant mood to make your day a carefree experience.

And by the end of the day, you’ll be grateful you got up early.

 

“Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them”.

 

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Price

Napoleon and the limits of DIY

It was Napoleon who said that “if you want a thing done well, do it yourself”. And we’ve all had that instance when your mother asks you to do something, then you ask so many questions while attempting to do it, that she finally sighs and remarks this exact same Napoleonic quote. (If you haven’t experienced this, you just probably never heard the last part).

Wanting to do things yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. It may be considered part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Or even as a sign of insanity. But as they say, there is a fine line between genius and insanity. Or rather, as Seneca put it, “there is no great genius without some touch of madness”. Humor apart, we can’t all do everything on our own constantly. It is physically impossible.

And just imagine what it would be like if everyone kept what they know to themselves. Sure, it is good competition, but wouldn’t you want someone to help you? Or at least continue your legacy when you’re gone? After all, the greatest teachers, those who inspire us the most and leave their mark on us, are indeed the ones who want to transmit upon us their knowledge.

So, sometimes, you just need to let go, relax, and acknowledge that you are not intended to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Humanity is supposed to be based on understanding and solidarity. If you can do something well on your own, just imagine how great it would be if your power was multiplied.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” – Helen Keller.

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Help

Experiencing a rainbow

It is undeniable that the key to your health lies in your diet. It is not only about the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat, but also about the color of the food on your plate. In short: the more colorful your diet, the more antioxidants you get.  We need a colorful plate of food in order to be more appealing, but also to ensure that we receive a wide range of healthy and necessary nutrients and vitamins.

But it’s not only in food that we need color.

Every aspect of our lives needs to be as colorful as possible. That is how it becomes more interesting and certainly more fun.

It is the same reason why winter months are associated with dark and dull colors, while spring and summer are characterized by a surge of bright and lively shades that generally also help lift our moods.

Not everything is black and white. And we need color in our lives to prove that we too hide inside of us a rainbow of emotions and moods that can be unleashed according to emotional state.

“If you’re quiet, you’re not living. You’ve got to be noisy and colorful and lively.” –  Mel Brooks

 

Also part of Daily Prompt: Colorful