This is kinda my fault...

Since I'm the lunch friend who geeked out about a book. (I geek out about a lot of books. YAY BOOKS!)

It's funny, because the very first post on my blog is called "Chase Down Joy" and it includes a list (which I still update periodically) of all the things that bring me joy.

I think it's important to remember those things, to recognize them and to nurture them and to make sure they appear in your life as often as possible. So, I keep a list. Because sometimes (a lot of the time) I forget. Because it's easy to just slip into the day to day and never remember to lift your head up and just NOTICE something beautiful or magical right in front of you.

This part of the orientation post struck me:

Admittedly, I sometimes feel ashamed to outwardly celebrate, especially in the face of so much sadness and despair.

 I think it's interesting for a couple of reasons.

1. I think in the face of sadness and despair is EXACTLY when you need to celebrate. (That's the WHOLE POINT of my mission to Keep Working on Love. It's central to so many of the things I do -- I try to celebrate my tiny place in this world and my relationships with incredible people and all the great things I've stumbled on because that's the stuff that has gotten me through the hardest times in my life.)

2. This is a bit of a kick in the pants for me. I attend Derby Lite fitness classes. I love them in so very many ways, not the least of which being the community of people involved. In a couple of weeks, our chapter will be hosting a party to celebrate Derby Lite's 6th birthday. I was freaked out about attending, because large groups of people freak me out. (A lot. Like, a really, really lot.) But, I wanted to go, because the leader of our chapter is one of the most enthusiastic people I've ever known and her excitement about the party made me feel like I'd be missing out if I skipped it. So, I made a plea for a date, and immediately my derby wife (best friend on roller skates) came to my rescue. (Since then, I've found several others who are just as freaked out by large social events as me are going to be attending. I think having each other will help us.)

But then I found out there's going to be a choreographed dance. (Here's the practice video.) Participation is optional, but I kept thinking, "Not me. No way. Uh-uh." Except that part of me kind of wanted to do it. I have no rhythm, I am a total klutz, and there are a million good reasons I should skip it (or would skip it under normal circumstances). But here's the thing: I think it'll be fun. Even if I'm THE ONLY ONE to mess it all up, is anyone really going to care? (It might be even funnier then, actually....) And if I'm not THE ONLY ONE, then I'll be in good company.

I'm pretty good at celebrating small joys with small groups of people. Maybe sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone and celebrate in a crowd, too. I guess I'll find out for sure in a couple of weeks.