That's me. It is, right now, one of my favourite pictures of me that exists, right up there with every picture that exists of me dancing. That's me, doing a cartwheel, and poorly I may add. Which is weird... because normally, I do good cartwheels.

I have decided that a poorly done cartwheel is the most beautiful thing on earth. Why? Because, it's just so whimsical and childish and silly and free. Like, when you know you can do a cartwheel, it's like "Oh, yay, did a cartwheel. Whoopee." but when you know you can't do one, but you try anyway, it's like "Here I go! Tumble tumble fall! Now I am lying on the ground in the warm grass and it's summer and I love life."

It was Jodi, whom I love so very dearly, that made me realize this. I can just remember, the day that picture was taken... I was doing cartwheels, but I can do them, so it was nothing special. But Jodi was trying to do them, and failing, but she was still laughing, and having fun, and we were all laughing, and having fun, and it was a wonderful day. I guess I can just remember the look on her face, and the way that everyone felt... happy and young and free.

Actually, I've long had a theory that things are less fun the better you get. Like, singing is my main example: I know that I can't sing. So I can do it as loudly and freely as I wish. And I know it's bad! It's okay! I've always said that heart and enthusiasm can make up for any lack of talent. But someone who is good... they're constantly wondering "How do I stack up? Is my pitch good? Am I better than that person? Or that person?"

So... I guess what I'm saying is, don't be afraid to suck at stuff. In fact, be happy.

Now, how do I unlearn cartwheeling?

(Photo Credit to Dave)