09 1 / 2012
#6: Make People Smile
When asked to do this blog, I imagined the indignation I could muster – pay attention to politics, be nice, and source your food. But I was afraid I might sound a little like the preachy friend on Facebook, posting petitions to ban the use of carcinogenic cleaners in schools. So here’s my resolution and advice: Don’t be the social heavy.
Be the friend that chooses to make people smile. Dance at weddings. Make that your material. Life is too short to sit in judgment and too long to endure without smiling.
Find inspiration in everyday life. My go-to? Music, especially videos - dance hits, from Lil Mama, Britney Spears, and Willow Smith. Trust me. They’re hilarious and full of self-allusion, product placement, and satire.
Disclaimer: I have not indexed these artists for wayward lyrics, cult membership, or bigoted family members. But I’m telling you, if you do in fact attempt to teach yourself how to dougie, you will be filled with the love of the dance and dissolve into giggles.
Take this anecdote. I’m leading middle school girls at an after school program, and I think, Beyoncé got Harlem teenagers to dance to “Move Your Body”. Why can’t I teach these girls the dance? I picture us breaking down barriers, Bey visiting their school, and their status as future YouTube sensations. Wrong. In I walked in my low heels, cardigan sweater, and tailored dress pants - not exactly Move My Post-College Body attire. The girls were not feeling the explanatory video at first, but I noticed something. As I started to do the moves and pant out a giggle in between high kicks, the girls followed. And they laughed.
And that is a killer Facebook status waiting to happen.
So no matter what office you’re working in, group you’re facilitating, or party you’re hosting this year, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to make people smile.
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Amelia Colwell Reedy is a writer, as well as director of youth programs at Community!Youth Concepts. Get in touch: email.
