The Day a Pier Turned Into a Dance Floor
The ancient stone pier was already buzzing — and it wasn’t even 9 a.m. 🌊
The water shimmered in shades of blue and emerald, and Carmen and I made our way through the crowd with our little Italian folding chairs (the kind that make my American beach chairs look like thrones).
We set up as close to the water as possible… and then I heard it.
Reggaeton. 🎶
We set up as close to the water as possible… and then I heard it.
Reggaeton. 🎶
I turned and saw two teenage boys dancing on a rock, scanning the pier — probably checking if the cute girls were watching. A moment later, they were flying into the water, twisting midair, pure summer swagger.
I couldn’t help myself — I filmed it all.
When they swam over to ask if I could AirDrop them the videos, I grinned and said:
“I love your music…If you play La Macarena, I’ll help you make the entire pier dance.”
They said yes. And I delivered.
And so, at 10 a.m. on a random Sunday, we had a spontaneous party. Teenagers, grandparents, and toddlers all moving together, laughing like we’d known each other forever. One of the boys, it turned out, was training to be a party animator — and suddenly, the pier had choreography.
And here’s what hit me:
In life, you get to choose your role. You’re the one starting the dance, initiating the project, or setting the tone.
You have the vision, the energy, and you’re willing to be the first to look a little silly — because you know it gives others permission to join in.
But here’s the truth: even leaders need encouragers to fuel them.
🌟 The Encourager: You might not be ready to lead the dance, or perhaps you’re taking a day off to encourage someone else to step up. You’re the one clapping, smiling, cheering people on.
Your energy validates the leader’s courage and helps the shy ones feel safe to step forward. Encouragers often don’t realize how powerful they are — but without them, the leader’s spark can fizzle.
🙅♀️ The Party Pooper: We’ve all been here — arms crossed, energy closed off, silently wishing things were quieter, calmer, or more “your way.”
Sometimes this comes from fear: fear of looking foolish, fear of stepping out of your comfort zone, fear of being judged.
Years ago, I might have chosen the sidelines. Watching, judging in my head, maybe even muttering something about “OMG, this people.” Not because I’m a grump, but because I was afraid — afraid to show up as my full, joyful self.
But here’s the truth: joy is magnetic. And when you share it, it multiplies.
So if you’ve been feeling shy, hesitant, or stuck in your head lately, here are 3 ways to break out of your shell and jump into life’s dance floor (even if you don’t know the steps):
1. Say yes before your brain talks you out of it.
The inner critic loves to overthink: “What will they think? Will I look silly?”
Silence it with action. If your heart jumps a little, just… say yes.
2. Be the encourager.
When you see someone stepping up and claiming the leading role, support them. If starting the dance feels too scary, start by cheering others on.
A smile, a clap, a “Go for it!” can shift the energy around you — and you might find yourself moving before you realize it.
3. Collect memories, not perfect moments.
I stayed an extra hour, hungry and sunburned, AirDropping videos to anyone who wanted them. It wasn’t “convenient,” but it was unforgettable. Perfect doesn’t make memories — presence does.
The more you practice stepping in, the more natural it feels.
And each time, you come home feeling more alive, happier, and a little more in love with yourself.
So today, ask yourself:
🌟 Will you be the one who starts the dance?
🌟 The one who makes others braver?
🌟 Or the one still on the shore, wishing you’d jumped in?
Life’s too short to just watch the party. 💛
With love from gorgeous Puglia,
Noel 🌸
