“We Deserve to Dream” (dance inspiration)

On By Michele LeeIn Dancing, Verse, Video, writing
It is a writer’s nature
to think.
They can create and save
worlds
with their thinking.

Sometimes writers
must save
themselves
from thinking
it over and under
and every other way
their mind can bend.
A story with no end.

Always playing
a game of mental ping-pong –
bounce smack, bounce smack.
The game goes on.
They play this game
with thoughts and emotions
all translated from
their place of origin
by using words:
      understood
        misunderstood
          misconstrued
            overused
            censored
              loaded
                rhythmic
                …….

Words can lead to a great awakening
and sometimes they can trap
a mind
that churns.

When the words
become too much,
(or not enough),
writers must express
themselves in other
ways,
in a world
that is becoming
too much
      to think
        about.
………………
I thought
dancing did this
for me,
but I realize,
as I write
these words –
part of
the allure
of dancing
is my connection
to sung words,
consumed
then translated
into emotions and movement.
And so, the game continues.
bounce smack, bounce smack

If you are not familiar, enjoy Xavier Rudd’s gorgeous video for “We Deserve to Dream” – this week’s song discovery and the one that inspired my Friday dance:

Loss and sadness surround our daily existence, if not personally, then one does not need to look too far. Fortunately, beauty and wonder exist in equal, if not greater, measure, and in that truth our dreams have a chance to take flight. Even in war ravaged Ukraine, empowering stories of the human spirit are flooding the darkness of an evil soul with a wave of heroic lights.

I had the opportunity this week to help one of those lights. Her name is Margarita Gorodnitsky “Margo,” and she is the wife of Israeli blogger, David Bogomolny (The Skeptic’s Kaddish). She is personally helping people in Kyviv with needed supplies, including first aid kits, which she sent to Kyiv with Ukrainian construction workers who were working in Israel and who chose to return home to fight. More workers will follow to do the same and she will continue sending supplies with them. If you would like to help her with her efforts, please see below for the available options. (Per Margo’s request: please add – for support of Ukraine) Personally, I would rather support someone who is selflessly and directly making a difference versus donating to a large organization. Godspeed to those construction workers and the other millions affected by this brutality.

Paybox1 0546469834
Paybox2 0526989555
Bit1 0546469834
Bit 2 0526989555
Paypal margarita.gorodnitsky@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting. Be well 💗 Michele

Lyrics for “We Deserve to Dream” by Xavier Rudd

Find more of my photos, micropoetry, and reels on Instagram ~ @mlsefton

© 2022 MyInspiredLife

118 thoughts on ““We Deserve to Dream” (dance inspiration)”

  2. kenhume79

    Every part of this poem, I can relate to! 👍😁 About how words can enlighten and trap at the same time as well as the bounce, smack; bounce, smack of literary ping pong always going on inside my brain! Ha! 😛😂 Brilliant Michelle! 😁👏

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    1. I wrote this poem in what felt like one long breath. I am pleased it is relatable and entertaining. ✍🏻 Sometimes we need to dance away from our words… and dance toward someone else’s. 😁 Thank you, Ken, so kind of you!

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      1. kenhume79

        I can tell you did by the way you wrote it! 😁👍 Yeh, dancing is brilliant for shaking off the cobwebs and frustrations. You’re a good; rhythmic dancer btw. I find running also helps too! 😁

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      2. haha Yes, good thing for stanza breaks so the reader can catch their breath. 😅 So true, connecting with music and movement offers many benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Thank you! I ran for five years, every morning with a group of other crazy ladies. I don’t do that anymore. I am still crazy though. 😆

        Liked by 1 person

      3. kenhume79

        Ha! 😂 Yeh, we throw on YouTube here in the evenings sometimes and get out on the floor dancing with my girls. 😁 Pre kids, you wouldn’t have got me or my wife off the dance floor. 😛 Haha! Nothing wrong with crazy! W e all need a bit of it to get by. 🤪🤪

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Jim. Dancing is a wonderful outlet for me and one that I almost lost after an accident years ago. I dance with joy and great gratitude. 🙏🏻Writing also offers the gift of expression. Thanks for sharing yours!

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      2. Absolutely, yes, beautiful dancers. 💖 I have been dancing in one form or fashion since I was a young girl and after dancing with Zoom for over a year, it all feels quite natural. Thank you. 🙏🏻

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Absolutely. 🙂 And thank you for the warm compliments on my work. It is certainly a gift to be able to express ourselves in myriad ways–and to share that with others. I hope you have a great weekend!

        Liked by 2 people

  5. You dance like you write, both beautiful expressions exuding fluidity and grace – in sum, a delight, as is your lovely smile…these words come easy. 😉 Thanks for sharing, dear Michele, and I wish for you a splendid weekend! 🌞🌹

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    1. It is my pleasure to write, dance, and share. 🥰 Thank you, Rebecca. You are a lovely person and writer. I enjoy Rudd’s music – I am happy to share. I just discovered this one a few days ago. 😄 I agree… helping someone who can directly help those in need in Ukraine is a compassionate choice. I cannot begin to imagine that trauma and unrest. Helping buy a few first aid kits is doable. Thank you.

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  7. Thanks for sharing the video from Xavier. It was mesmerizing with beautiful cinematography. I can totally relate to the words being too much, especially when I get into one of my worry or analyzing states like I did with this move. Thank you Michele for the lovely reminders to dance, dream, and connect to something bigger like Margo and her support for Ukraine.

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    1. It is my absolute pleasure to share the stunning music video. I found it a few days ago and of the 17k+ views, I think 1,000 of them have been from me. 😂 OK, that is a slight exaggeration. haha I am pleased to read from you and other writers this morning, that my words about thinking too much are relatable. Of course, (most) everyone thinks but writers are a rare breed, and the pen is mightier than the sword, ultimately. If my legacy is reminding people to dance, dream, connect, and help people in need than I will have lived a full life. 💗 Thank you, Brad.

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  8. You dance beautifully and gracefully, as always. It’s such a treat to see you self express through dance. Is wonderful, Michele. I loved your poem, and agree with you about words and the mind. Liberating, and sometimes, confounding. I am so pleased to read about the aid to Ukraine. How wonderful. Have a blessed day, Michele. 🌞💖

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    1. Thank you, Jeff. You are most gracious. 🙏🏻I do love expressing myself in a variety of ways and feel blessed to be able to do so. 💝 Thanks about the poem – it felt an odd one, but I let it have its way. I wrote it in a strange rush, read it, then thought, that’s different, but went with the flow. These poems, show up and express in their own unique ways. ✨ Yes, isn’t Margo amazing. I am happy to help in my small way. Thank you, and the same to you! 🌞💖

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      1. You’re most welcome, Michele. Always. 🙏 Ah, I know exactly how that is. I was just reading a poem I wrote yesterday, and it reads oddly to me today. Yet, I also know, I could read it later, and it might read just fine. So interesting how that works. Indeed and agreed about how poems show up. Margo is amazing, yes! Thank you! 🌞💖

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    1. I am so pleased that you like my poem. Thank you. It took on a different structure and vibe compared to most of my poems, but that is what showed up yesterday. 🤔I am glad it did – I think it relatable to those who write. ✍🏻 My pleasure to introduce Xavier Rudd – I love his music. Thank you so much for mentioning my friend. You are very kind. 💝

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  10. I love this poem. It expresses what goes on in my head ALL THE TIME. Play with words. Choosing, deleting, trying again. On-going. I love words and I like the Whitman-esque style of free verse you’ve chosen to express your words here.

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    1. What a treat to read you today, VH. You are a weaver of words and thoughts, so I am not surprised that you can relate to my wordy poem about words. This poem rushed out of me – surprising me actually. As a huge fan of Whitman, I am most honored by your Whitman-esque comparison. Thank you! 🙏🏻

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    1. Thank you, writer Ingrid, for receiving and understanding my free-flowing wordy thoughts. 😁 Moving through some emotions yesterday… why not invite the world in. haha It’s my joy, after all, we are all doing the same in our own way. Thank you very much. 🙏🏻💃🏻💖

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  15. I came to these words in this motion-packed poem and was instantly in connection with its rhythm: “Sometimes writers
    must save
    themselves
    from thinking . . .”

    This I cannot agree with more for it is something I have often experienced! Your following words on how your relationship with both dance and words is a connected experience in which both inspire the other I love too; it is something akin to the relationship between music and movement. 🙂

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    1. This poem did surge through me rather rapidly, so you are perceptive to pick up on that motion, that energy. We can think and write ourselves into a whirlwind, can’t we?

      I suppose when we are connected and open to creativity and expression it moves through us in different ways, one fueling the other. Blessings that we shouldn’t suppress but demanding at times when we feel so much! Thank Jaya, dancing poet. 😊 🌻

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  16. A Gorgeous flow of musical dance in your words so beautifully expressed Michele and love your last poem as well! Such a gift to all of us who are finding it tricky to find our flow in words and movement. Very inspiring and heartfelt.
    💖🌈💖🌈
    So great you shared David’s wife Margos information here. I added in to my poem on Thursday when I had the thought and waited to talk to David before I added it to my post and missed some of the other ways to send donations. So glad you added those. Plus, I didn’t add the whole blurb until after my post reached most of my followers.

    Thanks for shining your light always and all you do! 🌈💖💖🙏

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    1. You never cease to amaze me, Cindy. With everything you have going on, you still find time to connect with other bloggers and share genuine and generous words of support. Thank you very much. Being able to share my voice over the last two years and more recently my love of movement and recitation, in this forum, is a blessing for me. If I inspire others through that giving, my joy multiplies exponentially. ✨

      It is an honor to support Margo’s valiant efforts. 💝 Thank you. 💖

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      2. Thank you, David. Please thank your amazing wife too. I watched the news this morning – upsetting and heartbreaking. 💔 Please keep us posted on her loving efforts. Sending love to both of you. Take care.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Ohhhh, there goes my Dancing Queen!!! 🥰💃🏼😍 This is such a beautiful message Michele my Belle! 🤗 Your words flow so magically. I love this:

    “When the words
    become too much,
    (or not enough),
    writers must express
    themselves in other
    ways,
    in a world
    that is becoming
    too much
    to think
    about.”

    You know, dancing is our muse, although you are much braver than I when videoing it to the world! LOL God bless you for reaching out and helping with the supplies to the people of Kyiv. Each one, reach one. 👩🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏽👩🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼👩🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏽 What a kind heart and bright light you are my dear sweet friend. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for shining your bright light too my dear! 🙏🏼🌟🌞

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    1. Your uplifting spirit and dancing muse are with me on the dance floor. 💃🏽💃🏻 Would be more fun if you were to join me, but distance makes it a challenge, so I will take and appreciate what I can get. 😊 I am not sure if I am brave or crazy. haha Thank you for appreciating my light and my poem- the words flowed quickly through me. The news coming out of Kyiv is heartbreaking. 😭 Anything we can do to help is an act of human kindness and support. 🙏🏻💖 🤗

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      1. Michele, with your demeanor, it’s easy to see what being the light of kindness, compassion, and support looks like. I so appreciate your uplifting and energetic words. 😊 Who doesn’t need a shot of your Michele juice??? 🍹🥤🍸

        And so…we dance! 💃🏼🎵🎤🎼💃🏽 Hugs and smooches! 🥰💖😘

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Very nice of you comment, writer Dawn. It was far removed from what I had originally considered writing. Best to let the words have their way. Then edit and revise if needed. 😁 Your overall message is empowering and leaves me feeling on purpose. A wonderful feeling. No, they cannot take our thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and dreams, unless we let them, and that won’t happen! 💪🏻✨

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    1. Thanks so much, Dwight, for stopping by and sharing your kind words of support. I am grateful. 🙏🏻🌸 Regarding my previous post, I was inspired to share my desert photos and poem, but due to work, I was not able to respond to comments for a few days. Unfortunately. Thank you for noticing and asking. I appreciate you!

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  25. Another Beautiful and thoughtful post from you, Michele! I was particularly struck by you creative and metaphoric phrase of ‘ a game of metal Ping-Pang’. Thank you for sharing the music and dance video. Lovely and bravo! keep dancing and celebrating your uniqueness!

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    1. Hello beautiful ballerina! 🩰 Dancing your way through life and into my heart. Thank you, Annabel. 💗 Constant thoughts do bounce around our writer brains, don’t they? 🤯 You know it is my joy to share my love of music and movement. A perfect Friday happy hour. 😁 Isn’t the music video gorgeous! Beautiful cinemaphotography and visual storytelling. 🥰 Have a wonderful week! 🌞

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      1. I love the idea and your practice of Friday Happy hour, dear Michele! 💕It’s time to reconnect with our body and sensations through music and poetry. What a delightful combination and you just showed us the way!🎊🥳

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  26. “bounce smack, bounce smack” – what lovely rhythm and lightness to this experience of being with your poem, it is beautiful. Words are the magic and the doorway to it too, and they could become part of the noise too. It is so beautiful and graceful how poetry and dance blend into each other for you – truly a rich essence and expression of your being, a gift to us that I admire and inspired by.

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    1. Your overthinking produces inspiring, spunky, and energizing thoughts, so keep doing what you are doing. With breaks of course! 😆 I am pleased you connected with my words. Thank you, Natalie. 💝

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  30. There is so much to unpack with this post…First I must admit, the joy of seeing you freely dance, which is artful and exuberating! Then to read your poetry that is rhythmic and meaningful… It speaks to the analytical me…that have to push past performance anxiety to do open mics and one I need to overcome to start my podcast… Thanks for sharing

    Lastly, your sentiments and helping heart to reach beyond our borders…Outstanding… You are the Inspirational Queen! Sit your lovely self on your throne!

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    1. Tony, I will delight in lingering with your thoughtful and honest comments for a bit. As you know from previous posts, dancing brings me tremendous joy… to discover a song, internalize it for a few days then push play and let it flow through me is a treasured and transcendent experience. To read that joy is reciprocated makes me very happy. There is enough negativity and evil in the world – to experience joy is a gift. I am equally honored by your description of my words. 🙏🏻 I have never produced a podcast, but I am sure it is like most things – the more you do it the easier it will get. Try to immerse yourself in the experience and not worry about those listening on the other end, which could add to your anxiety. Do that after the fact, as you produce more and grow and learn. I look forward to listening!

      Spreading the word about Margo’s efforts is a tiny effort. She and all those fighting for their country and lives deserve the throne. 👑 Thank you, Tony, you are very kind.

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      1. I couldn’t agree more with there is way too much negativity and evil in the world! It is a fight to stay hopeful, joyful and press on!
        Michele, thank you for always meeting me where I am at, with sound advice on how to leap over the obstacles of the mind to accomplish the things I want to! Thank you, thank you thank you🥰🤭🦋

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      2. Staying hopeful, joyful, and optimistic, we must! With writing moments of bearing our souls, with whatever shows up, of course. 😁 It is my privilege. Thank you so much, Tony, for sharing your thoughts. I am grateful. 💝

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I love reading this. Mission accomplished! 😄 Dancing brings me tremendous joy, so to share that feeling elevates the experience. ✨ A beautiful song and line – I was thrilled to find it last week. 🥰 Thank you, Constance.

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    1. I do wish that for you Adelheid. 🙏🏻I lost the ability to do so years ago, after an accident. I do not know your specific situation, but I know that healing is a journey. 🌻 Thank you very much and best to you. 💗

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