Look At Me Now.

The day itself was ordinary. Routine, monotonous, nothing spectacular.

But then, towards the end of the night, there was a moment. This brief moment in time where I was filled with pure joy, the highlight of this seemingly unimpressive day.

I felt high. Like insanely high. I remember my body bubbling to the brim with what felt like this happy drug and it was so unexpected, which made it all the more special.

And the best part? I can return to that very moment in time with song.

One song, in particular:

Chris Brown’s Look At Me Now.

I know. I know. Talk about a throwback. I was sixteen when this song came out.

*eyes widen

Anyhoo, when I heard this song the other night, it didn’t take me back in time to when I was sixteen (we don’t need to return there), it brought me to the present.

There I was, sitting at the bar with my family, during our weekly cocktails and conversation. We somehow got on the subject of fastest rap breaks in music, and of course this classic popped up.

I mean, Busta Rhymes back in the day?

Legend.

So, we put it on and let the music do the talking.

And when Busta started his rap, we felt it.

I mean we felt it. Bobbing our heads and motioning with our hands, we jammed hard as Busta spit his rhyme with unbelievable speed.

Our bodies danced, our faces squinted tight, and I let that joyous feeling soar as the rap played out.

Man it felt good.

So what is it about song and dance that bring about such robust feelings in me?

Well, it’s all about self-expression.

We all know music is ubiquitous in everyday life. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who “didn’t like music”, because regardless of genre, we all listen to tunes to ultimately feel something. Whether we pump up the jams to celebrate, mourn, cry, energize, heal, inspire, or simply to feel like a boss ass bitch, there’s a universality to song that connects us in an emotional way.

And dance? That’s how I express such emotions. That’s how a lot of brave and confident individuals do it, because it’s fun, it’s liberating, and the sensation of doing what feels right and good regardless of what we look like or who’s watching is exhilarating.

I mean, there’s nothing more beautiful to me than watching someone embracing their full authentic selves and not giving a damn about looking cool.

Looking cool is sooooo over-rated.

Just look at me!

Or should I say, Look At Me Now.