I’m feeling the FREEDOM of moving forward. I completed important unfinished business from 2023 and let go of the unfinished business unworthy of my time, energy and focus.
During this process, I realized much of what I hung onto – whether perpetually unfinished items carried over to yet another ToDoList, or carefully curated/sorted/organized files placed in physical boxes and/or computer folders, or long decrepit souvenirs/accolades with no place to go but in an ever larger special memory box – were merely outdated ‘crutches’. They no longer serve a purpose because their purpose has already been served. Casting aside those crutches was liberating.
I’m feeling the FREEDOM of release, lightness & joy. Leaning into movement, dance and song takes me to a happy place. A safe place to explore, discover, create and
Dream. Build Upon. Begin Again.
I’m feeling the FREEDOM of community celebration. In keeping with 2024’s Black History Month Theme: African Americans and the Arts, this featured piece by Jon Batiste invites us to embrace our individuality, support others in their journeys, welcome cross-cultural experiences and dance to the rhythm of our lives with a sense of freedom.
YAY to your accomplishments. FREEDOM is the word, and I can feel it in your post. Here’s to dancing to the rhythm of our lives with a sense of freedom. And, and I so LOVE Jon Batiste and his music, thank you for sharing this video. <3
I wasn’t sure what you were referring to, so I asked Mr. Google! Oh yeah, Braveheart! I don’t think they’re in anyway related to each other. Except of course with the never ending life/historical theme of pursuing/fighting for freedom.
Your comment caused me to visualize a 13th century Scottish Warrior marching alongside dancers/singers in this New Orleans-style 21st century song & dance video!
🙂
Laura, I LOVE this video and been listening to it on loop! What a terrific liberating song and so full of positive energy – I can’t help but smile, bopping along! A wonderful post and feeling the joy with you!??
What a great way to open your post! Let me see you wobble and shake…When I move my body just like this I don’t know why but I feel like freedom….
I was talking to my Mom today and she was telling me about a friend of hers who screams like a banshee at the ball games. Well now…Mom and her friends are in the their upper 80,s and 90’s. My Mom is 92. I told her that she and her friends are all still in their 20’s at heart, and she said that I got that right. Oh, the joy of letting the uninhibited child be free! I really think that God enjoys seeing his children laugh out loud just as much as we do. 🙂
That’s one of my favorite music videos. So much energy, joy, and creativity. I’m right with you in focusing on freeing myself of stuff and shoulds. Who needs the baggage?Thanks for such an uplifting post!
Hi my Laura! I’m having a little problem typing as I’m feeling the need to dance right now. Great song! I’m adding it to my play list . . . and checking out what else Jon Batiste has to offer. LOVE everything about your post, my friend. More dancing and music is definitely a great thing. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
One should always yield to Dancing Interruptions during one’s daily tasks!
I noticed Jon Batiste has quite an eclectic body of work and works in progress. He’s on my radar as a younger generation musician poised for putting forth quality material rather than only pop tunes (which have their usefulness, too, of course). I guess I’m saying he’s a multidimensional 21st century musician/composer and that excites me!
Ditto what L. Marie said about liking this. Your enthusiasm for your newly discovered freedom is contagious. Maybe we all use crutches until we realize we can live life better life without them. Carry on, my friend.
There’s a time and a place for everything as my Dad would say. And use of crutches along with casting them aside each have their time and place.
Loading...
petespringerauthor
I had the same thing happen as L Marie. Letting go is one of the most freeing things in life. Easier said than done sometimes.
One thing I’ve learned aboiut myself is I’m much happier whjen I just take on things I’ve been avoiding or procrastinating about. I’m sure some of that has to do with age. Sure wish I would have got to this place sooner, but better late than never.
It appears WP doesn’t want anyone to like me! HA!
I’ve noticed the same thing about avoidance/procrastination…once I start, it’s way easier to continue to the finish line and I’m happy to get the ‘thing’ crossed off my list!
😉
Loading...
Anne Lawson
I am dealing with Stuff at the moment, the clutter that seems to be holding me back. We are clearing out my Mum’s house and I am trying to integrate things from there into my life. She was a great record keeper, and there are many treasures that I want to keep….but where and why? It’s a slow and thoughtful process, and meanwhile more Stuff keeps coming in! I understand how liberating you must find being able to ‘cast away those crutches’!
Anne, I’m a big advocate for ‘sifting through the ephemera of others lives’ with consideration rather than just clearing it all out in one fell swoop. I agree with your intentions whole heartedly. I’m in a good place with ‘integrating’ the sentimental/important things into my everyday life and they contribute greatly to my sense of connection to those I love who have passed. The ‘outdated crutches’ scenario is one of coming full circle with the process and leftovers. It takes time. In the end, I believe it is worth the effort. Take care (imagine hug emoji here)
Loading...
skvanzandt
Enjoyed this post, Laura. You’ve inspired me to work on my outdated crutches!
Actually your 1/1/2024 post ( https://skvanzandt.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/a-new-year-3/ ) inspired me to focus on getting rid of the heaviness of the unfinished business of the past year as a means to entering into 2024 with greater clarity of purpose. Thanks!
Loading...
skvanzandt
Yay! I’m trying to focus on moving forward with purpose. One step, another step. But I still need to do some tossing.
Loading...
Jane Chesebrough
Yah, LOVED John Baptiste’s moves and grooves. Letting go of “stuff” and “old ways of thinking” is so freeing-makes room for the new. Good for you!
So great to hear from you, Jane. I may not be able to move and groove like Mr. Batiste, but my own clumsy dancing with abandon does help to set me free!
🙂
I tried to like this post, but I kept getting the “it’s loading” message. So consider this a like!???? What a dynamic, joyful video! Freedom is great! I’m glad you feel freed from the “outdated crutches.” Worry is an “outdated crutch” in my life that I need to let go of.
My computer is doing wonky things, too! The wonderful thing about walking with the Lord is that when ‘outdated crutches’ of all sorts are cast aside – we get to fall more fully into His arms and/or walk more fully together on the path He has for us.
Here’s to freedom!
YAY to your accomplishments. FREEDOM is the word, and I can feel it in your post. Here’s to dancing to the rhythm of our lives with a sense of freedom. And, and I so LOVE Jon Batiste and his music, thank you for sharing this video. <3
I can hear you dancing to FREEDOM all the way across the ocean, Khaya!
😎
Love the video and song. Sounds so much better than Mel Gibson’s William Wallace version
I wasn’t sure what you were referring to, so I asked Mr. Google! Oh yeah, Braveheart! I don’t think they’re in anyway related to each other. Except of course with the never ending life/historical theme of pursuing/fighting for freedom.
Your comment caused me to visualize a 13th century Scottish Warrior marching alongside dancers/singers in this New Orleans-style 21st century song & dance video!
🙂
?
It was the “Freeeeedoommmm!!!!!!” cry that immediately came to mind.
Laura, I LOVE this video and been listening to it on loop! What a terrific liberating song and so full of positive energy – I can’t help but smile, bopping along! A wonderful post and feeling the joy with you!??
..and I’m ‘bopping along’ with you, Annika!
???
🙂
Freedom is a wonderful thing in many ways. Well done, Laura!
Indeed it is, Jennie.
?
What a great way to open your post! Let me see you wobble and shake…When I move my body just like this I don’t know why but I feel like freedom….
I was talking to my Mom today and she was telling me about a friend of hers who screams like a banshee at the ball games. Well now…Mom and her friends are in the their upper 80,s and 90’s. My Mom is 92. I told her that she and her friends are all still in their 20’s at heart, and she said that I got that right. Oh, the joy of letting the uninhibited child be free! I really think that God enjoys seeing his children laugh out loud just as much as we do. 🙂
Amen to that, Laura!
🙂
That’s one of my favorite music videos. So much energy, joy, and creativity. I’m right with you in focusing on freeing myself of stuff and shoulds. Who needs the baggage?Thanks for such an uplifting post!
Yep, you got that right, Janis!
What fun! I think you must be feeling springtime, too!
HA! You nailed it, Zippy!
😉
Awesome post, I love that video that opened it! Enjoy your new found freedom!
Yeah, it gets ya in the groove to just ‘do’ – creatives inspiring creatives is hugely motivating!
Hi my Laura! I’m having a little problem typing as I’m feeling the need to dance right now. Great song! I’m adding it to my play list . . . and checking out what else Jon Batiste has to offer. LOVE everything about your post, my friend. More dancing and music is definitely a great thing. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
One should always yield to Dancing Interruptions during one’s daily tasks!
I noticed Jon Batiste has quite an eclectic body of work and works in progress. He’s on my radar as a younger generation musician poised for putting forth quality material rather than only pop tunes (which have their usefulness, too, of course). I guess I’m saying he’s a multidimensional 21st century musician/composer and that excites me!
Keep dancing!
Will do – you, too!
😎
?
You got me dancing and thinking! Thank you.
Keep on dancin’ Chela! Thanks for stopping by.
What a joyful post. Thanks for the uplifting words.
You’re more than welcome, Laura. We all need these bursts of joy to propel us through our ‘everyday’.
🙂
Ditto what L. Marie said about liking this. Your enthusiasm for your newly discovered freedom is contagious. Maybe we all use crutches until we realize we can live life better life without them. Carry on, my friend.
There’s a time and a place for everything as my Dad would say. And use of crutches along with casting them aside each have their time and place.
I had the same thing happen as L Marie. Letting go is one of the most freeing things in life. Easier said than done sometimes.
One thing I’ve learned aboiut myself is I’m much happier whjen I just take on things I’ve been avoiding or procrastinating about. I’m sure some of that has to do with age. Sure wish I would have got to this place sooner, but better late than never.
It appears WP doesn’t want anyone to like me! HA!
I’ve noticed the same thing about avoidance/procrastination…once I start, it’s way easier to continue to the finish line and I’m happy to get the ‘thing’ crossed off my list!
😉
I am dealing with Stuff at the moment, the clutter that seems to be holding me back. We are clearing out my Mum’s house and I am trying to integrate things from there into my life. She was a great record keeper, and there are many treasures that I want to keep….but where and why? It’s a slow and thoughtful process, and meanwhile more Stuff keeps coming in! I understand how liberating you must find being able to ‘cast away those crutches’!
Anne, I’m a big advocate for ‘sifting through the ephemera of others lives’ with consideration rather than just clearing it all out in one fell swoop. I agree with your intentions whole heartedly. I’m in a good place with ‘integrating’ the sentimental/important things into my everyday life and they contribute greatly to my sense of connection to those I love who have passed. The ‘outdated crutches’ scenario is one of coming full circle with the process and leftovers. It takes time. In the end, I believe it is worth the effort. Take care (imagine hug emoji here)
Enjoyed this post, Laura. You’ve inspired me to work on my outdated crutches!
Actually your 1/1/2024 post ( https://skvanzandt.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/a-new-year-3/ ) inspired me to focus on getting rid of the heaviness of the unfinished business of the past year as a means to entering into 2024 with greater clarity of purpose. Thanks!
Yay! I’m trying to focus on moving forward with purpose. One step, another step. But I still need to do some tossing.
Yah, LOVED John Baptiste’s moves and grooves. Letting go of “stuff” and “old ways of thinking” is so freeing-makes room for the new. Good for you!
So great to hear from you, Jane. I may not be able to move and groove like Mr. Batiste, but my own clumsy dancing with abandon does help to set me free!
🙂
I tried to like this post, but I kept getting the “it’s loading” message. So consider this a like!???? What a dynamic, joyful video! Freedom is great! I’m glad you feel freed from the “outdated crutches.” Worry is an “outdated crutch” in my life that I need to let go of.
My computer is doing wonky things, too! The wonderful thing about walking with the Lord is that when ‘outdated crutches’ of all sorts are cast aside – we get to fall more fully into His arms and/or walk more fully together on the path He has for us.
Here’s to freedom!