I hope you dance.

My mom gave me a special book with the lyrics to the song "I hope you dance" in it when I graduated from high school.  I had been a dancer my whole life and was leaving my dance studio behind for a brand new life.  The book is now tucked away in a special spot, one of the few treasures I have still totally in tact, preserved in time. The lyrics to the song (although admittedly somewhat cheesy!) mean a lot to me and always remind me of that special time of transition in my life.  The lyrics are much needed reminders to live with courage in our minds, our bodies, our spirits.



I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance



And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance



I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance



And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance



-Lee Ann Womack "I hope you dance"

(images:  apostrophe9.tumblr.com .  rachelswandesign.blogspot.com . wherethelovelythingsare.com . )