Hey, folks! In real-time it is New Year’s Eve. Happy New Year!
Feeling better after my bout with food poisoning. Taking nourishment and getting back to my normal routine. That would include exercises classes this morning.
The Zumba class had its New Year’s Eve party at 9 this morning. Avoided the crowds. We had paper tiaras and horns. We danced to one of our favorite songs – Booty Wurk – and even added a new wrinkle namely, dancing down the line ‘just like’ Soul Train! (Please read that like the announcer back in the 70s did!).
It was about a dozen and a half women between 20 and 63 (guess who) acting crazy and having a thoroughly enjoyable time!
What’s wrong with being a little crazy, silly, goofy, whatever? Ask me and the answer is pretty much nuthin’. It is hard work being serious and oh so mature all of the time. It is also rather boring. I very much enjoy being just plain goofy!
Fun reduces stress. It makes you feel better by reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin (8 Health Benefits of Having Fun). It increases your ability to cope and boosts your energy, memory and concentration. You sleep more soundly. It also helps you establish positive patterns in your life.
Then there are the social benefits of fun. Want to develop stronger relationships and build lasting memories? Have fun together! Strong relationships are built on laughter. A lot of laughter. Remember the crazy things you and your best friend did as kids? [Lin here: Or as college students. Do you remember, Sue, when you and R. and I did a rendition of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” at one of our Gompers Street parties??? ::grin::]
And not just as kids. Throughout our 20s our group had yearly theme parties. One was a toga party and another was a drag party. I have a photo of two of my male friends – both with full beards – dressed like your perfect 1950s housewives, right down to the little straw purses!
Just the thought of that photo makes me want to smile now nearly 40 years later. If they had not been willing to be crazy and silly and even look a little foolish, I would not have that delightful memory to draw upon.
Or a memory from my college years. Maybe Lin remembers this one. We went ‘trick or drink’ on Halloween. My costume was footed pj’s and a robe. My hair was in pigtails and I carried a blue, stuffed elephant. We went from bar to bar ‘trick or drink!’ Damn elephant got drunk! Every time I set him on a bar, he would fall over! [Lin here: that was the day I moved into the dorm so I wasn’t part of that party. I thought you were all crazy! Later, I found out you were all fun! ::smile::]
My elephant having a trunk full became a theme for the evening and we got a lot of laughter mileage out of it. I still have the memory….and the elephant somewhere.
Was going bar to bar dressed like a three-year old a little crazy? Sure, but it was fun and it is another thought that makes me smile.
So I guess the message is: don’t be so serious! Life is the funniest thing that is ever going to happen to you and no one gets out alive.
Last time I heard St. Peter does not give brownie points for going through life with a straight face.
Now, go play Booty Wurk and see if you can still shake it!