The World of Bohemedude

If You Have the Choice to Sit It Out or Dance...

My Aunt Myrtle lived to be well into her nineties. She was my mother's aunt actually, so I suppose that technically would have made her my great aunt. Nevertheless, Aunt Myrtle was one amazing lady. I suppose her longevity could be attributed, in part, to the fact that she was extremely health conscious. At her advanced age, she still walked close to two miles everyday. She would make a daily trip to a senior citizen center in Seattle for lunch and an exercise class, walking both ways. She made a conscious effort to remain active, and she maintained a busy social calendar which included a weekly bridge game.

Aunt Myrtle was a truly influential person in my life although I met her only a couple of times. Myrtle had worked hard and had invested well. As a result of her prosperity and her incredible generosity, I was able to attend college without having to apply for a single student loan. Not only did Myrtle fund my college education, but she was also a source of encouragement throughout my college career. I had seen Myrtle only when I was a very young toddler, but through telephone calls and correspondence, we were able to really get to know one another.

One of the most profound lessons I learned from Myrtle was what it means to truly live one's life to the fullest. She and her husband traveled extensively and saw much of the world. Although she did not travel much after her husband's death, Myrtle did not slow down. In her eighties, Myrtle was actively pursuing her interests. In her letters, she would tell me about taking Rhumba lessons or learning Judo. In her professional life she was a registered nurse, and after retirement, she continued to read and study about medical advancements. She even participated in a few medical studies on topics such as longevity and prevention of illness. She attended concerts and plays on a regular basis and made a concerted effort to take advantage of all those things that a city like Seattle has to offer. She loved the city, and she loved every moment of her life.

I've been thinking a lot about my Aunt Myrtle lately. I'm getting closer and closer to the age of 40, and while that is far from being old, I am noticing that I am not as "spry" as I was a couple of decades ago. I sometimes can understand how easy it can be for some people to become tired and complacent in their own lives. I know there are times when I feel that curling up in front of the television is all I want to do. It takes diligent effort to shake that feeling and to remain honestly interested in one's own life. The typical 40 year old's life really revolves around career and family. We are all pulled in so many different directions that it requires a fair amount of work to carve out an existence for oneself that is inspiring and enriching.

A few years ago, Leanne Womack recorded a beautiful song called "I Hope You Dance." Over the years, that song has become an anthem for me. The lyrics are a mother's wish for her child, "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope you dance." Well, I can honestly say I've made my choice--figuratively and literally. In February of this year, I began studying classical ballet. I signed up for the class on a bit of a whim, but I'm loving every moment. I'm experiencing that wonderful feeling of moving out of my comfort zone and learning something completely new and foreign. The feeling is exhilirating. My own venture into the world of dance has piqued my interest in the ABC television show, Dancing with the Stars.  Each week I watch as the star contestants work so hard to learn the dance routines and allow themselves to be placed in the vulnerable situation of competing on national television.

Whether we are stars or just "average Joes" like me,  each of us will only pass this way once. We really owe it to ourselves to go for the gusto. As Henry David Thoreau said it, we really have only one chance to "suck out all the marrow in life." I may look silly in my tights and ballet shoes...but, I'm glad I've chosen to dance.