During a group exercise class at the gym, I couldn’t help but notice someone who was a little "different."  

The instructor took short breaks, allowing the class to get a drink of water.  We were encouraged to keep moving during this time. Most of us would jog in place and wait for the next set of instructions.  However, one woman failed to obey the norm of the class. 

Whenever the opportunity arose, she was moving about the entire studio, grooving to the tunes. It appeared as if she was having more fun than anyone else in the class.

Glancing around the room, I was curious to see other people’s reactions.  Confusion. Distaste. Shock. Even though everyone was looking at her like she was a rare bird, she continued to do what she wanted. I’m pretty certain this woman wasn’t dancing solely to get attention from other members of the class — she was mostly stirring up a little confusion and making the rest of the class feel a little awkward. 

As a newcomer to the class, I timidly remained in my "area," and didn’t dare move from it.  As I watched this woman move about the studio, weaving between members of the class, I became envious of her free-spirited attitude. I would have loved to cut loose, but the fear of what others might think of my not-so-suave moves kept me jogging in place.

Since then, I’ve seen her dancing in various locations.  Not only does she rock out at the gym, but out on the sidewalks and in stores! Every time I see her she’s dancing, she’s happy, and she is not seeking others’ approval.   

For the rest of us who have a general concern for what other people think, it’s hard to fathom what it would be like to do what this woman does on a regular basis.

Imagine a day where skipping to work felt normal to you, or challenging a co-worker to a hand-stand competition in the hallway was basically expected.  If everything weren’t so normal, maybe it would be more fun! 

I challenge you to do something a little off the wall this week. If you get the urge to break out in song in the middle of a grocery aisle, give it your best shot!  Do it with confidence!  And don’t let that smile leave your face.

Shootin’ the Wit is a weekly column about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.