It was like being Jayne Torvill on rollerskates. One foot in front of the other, gliding along with swanlike grace in time with the music. My ponytail was flowing behind me as though I was in a Nike Ad. For a moment there, felt as though was dancing on air and nothing could stop me. Then I let go of the wall.
SPLAT!
Ah well, it was good while it lasted.
Today's song is inspired by a fun little outing I had recently. I really needed to take a break from all the stress and pressure of everything so went for a socially distanced rollerskate with some friends at Rollercade, which is Cape Town's first indoor rollerskating rink. It is a fabulous experience - it is an old parkade where the whole level has been transformed into a rollerskating rink. It comes complete with disco lights, a DJ as well as chill areas and a movie screen for those who want to just chill out.
The song, which was released by Sheryl Crow in 2017 is actually about our dependence on social media and technology and how we can miss out on so many fun things in life, because we are too attached too our cellphones. Sheryl tells us to put the phone down now and again and just get out there and have fun.
The song was actually the perfect soundtrack to this outing - it's exactly how I've been feeling lately. A bit stressed and overwhelmed with technology, social media, news overload and alerts every which way. Along with a stressful work week, it has all just felt too much.
Going out rollerskating, having fun and picking up an activity that hadn't done in years was the perfect antidote. It was a good laugh and so lovely to feel like a kid again. After this, felt a lot more energized and positive and it set the tone for the week ahead.
What the song urges is so true - while technology can be great and is a fantastic way to communicate it is so important to have time away to recharge, reconnect and just be present in the moment. My biggest stressor was having news alerts pinging in every two minutes - Loadshedding! Covid! Jacob Zuma's latest antics! The latest spoiler from Eastenders! (how many people realistically can actually keep returning from the dead?? These are the questions we should be asking. However.. I digress) - so taking some time away from my phone was just what was needed.
I've got your picture Swimming 'round inside my head While all the kids snapping pics They can click on what they missed I kinda like real life instead Well, how about a little of that human touch? Old school contact, would it be asking too much
So when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed - remember to get out there and do something fun, be it channeling your inner disco diva, inner child, taking a walk outside or learning something new. And take some time away from the screen.
I will leave you with a fun fact on rollerskating - The rollerskate was officially patented in 1819 by Monsoir Petitblad, however was actually invented in 1735 by John Joseph Merlin, a Belgian who was showing off his brand new wheeled shoes at a party however he lost his balance and went crashing into a mirror! Been there my good man, been there.
So put your phone away and Let's roller skate ❤
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