The One With The Challenge: My Favorite Quote

I am sure most of you would imagine my favorite quote would have been the one that brandished my blog for years on end (In fact, I can't believe I don't have it on this new one):

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out & screaming "WOO HOO! What a ride!"

I agree, this is a fabulous quote and one I try to live by. But when I really considered what my favorite quote might be a different one popped into my mind:

"Dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Speak from the heart to be heard,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
-William W. Purkey

Like the other quote above this one encourages people to live life to the fullest, something I try every day to do. But the difference is the Purkey quote focuses on some of my most favorite things to do, dancing, singing and loving.

Ever since I was wee I have always loved to dance and sing and be the center of attention. I would perform and create opportunities to have an audience to cheer me on in whatever I did. But as I got older and self-consciousness set in I would shy away from being at the center of things strictly because I worried about what others would think of me. This quote helps me to remember I need to not worry about what people think of me and just do what makes ME happy. Bring me back to the fearlessness of a child's delight in having fun and doing what I love. Some times this is more difficult than others. People can be cruel and heartless and stand in the way of what you really need to do with your life. So I try to be ME. I sing at the top of my lungs on key and off, dance naked before I get in the shower and love those people and things I care about with my whole heart and without shame.

And this makes me ME and that is what makes me happy.