I came across a picture a few days ago that had the caption, “We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”

I am part of a group of agents across several states who are reading and discussing the book, “The Positive Shift,” by Catherine A. Sanderson. The research included in this book has been a fascinating look at how we can adjust our outlook as not all of us wake up every day filled with energy and excitement about a new day. For some, each day can be a struggle to be or stay positive. The research, however, shows that we can improve our physical and mental health by working on our outlook.

The last two years have been filled with frustration, separation, anxiety, and loss. Loss of civility, loss of relationships, loss of time together. I shared some pretty somber thoughts about loss with my 4-H families a few weeks ago with the reminder to check on themselves, their neighbors, and their friends. 

At a good friend’s funeral recently, the message included that our friend had selected the Garth Brooks song, “The Dance” for the father-daughter dance at his daughter’s wedding. Our pastor related the words of the chorus which state:

“And now I’m glad I didn’t know

The way it all would end, the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I’d have had to miss the dance.”

I hope that your takeaway of the last few years is to truly cherish friends and family and listen to the music life gives you. Look for opportunities to be kind, be helpful, be community and choose your dance every day.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.