People create comfort zones and shells as a method of protection. It's safe in there, it's a coping mechanism for anxiety, heart break, anything hurtful really. But, at a certain point this protective shield becomes a jail. You bar yourself from blossoming and enjoying the outside world. I realized it was time I broke out and I've had the most illuminating experiences and memories.
My friend, Tierney, asked me to be a part of a lip sync battle going on the next day. Of course, I was really skeptical but I hate letting friends down so I said, "if you can't find anyone else, I'll do it". Once the decision was made, I realized I actually kind of wanted to perform. It'd be a crazy fun thing to do and it's right up my alley. I used to dance as a kid and I don't get nervous once on stage.
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So, it's Thursday and the show starts at 9pm. I had zero time to prep. I knew time would be slim which led me to think, "What artist can I sing rain or shine, drunk or sober? Hmm. Ah, yes. Britney!" I went on Spotify and checked out her albums. It's really hard to win a lip sync battle against guys when you're a girl. Guys can do a girly song and flop around and it's fantastic. If I was going to do this battle, I had to be on par so I used my brain to think up a funny twist to add. Lo and behold, after some minutes mulling over Brit Brit's music, I figured it out. I would perform Toxic and sing to my teddy bear who would wear a sign saying "Student Loans". Get it?
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I'm pretty sure I blinked and it was 8:15pm. I accidentally forgot my teddy bear and the sign at home so, I was pretty upset entering the venue. It's in these moments that you have to stay positive; there is always a solution. Tierney volunteered to stand in for Arty the Teddy and I made a new sign. I was third on the set list, which thank goodness. I hate being first or last. Here's the video to my dance:
Thank you to my roommate Shaina for taking this video!
I did not practice at all. I listened to the song once to pick it and I didn't hear it again until I was up on stage. I danced to my heart's content and belted those lyrics. Thank God the speakers were able to drown my voice. I'm not hating, just being really honest. Lol, but I forgot the audience and just jammed. There were about eight other contestants and everyone was amazing. I was not expecting anything BUT........ I WON!
I was so surprised. Me. I won. I, who didn't want to do this battle at first. I, who almost said no and wouldn't have thought twice. I, who was even scared to watch this video because I've gained weight. I, won.
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People are their own worst critics. My weight gain did not discourage this win. My not having any {extra} makeup (I had eyeliner I put on at 9am; L'oreal liquid eyeliner is amazing) did not take away this wonderful moment. I was undoubtedly just me on stage. I let the music flow and literally danced like I do at home. That's what got me the trophy and $100 (in freaking singles, no less.) My ridiculously dancing for fun prompted the judges to give me the honor of Lambda Lip Sync Grand Champion 2016. It's on the trophy, I'm not making this up. I swear.
Even if I hadn't won, those truths still apply. It is so important to enjoy life and have fun. I was on cloud 9 on stage. So much so that I, with my friends, did an impromptu rendition of Spice Girls "Wannabe". Those memories will last a life time. That moment of pure happiness and exhilaration will help me be positive. Don't wait to do things until you lose weight or get rid of acne. Be free, happy, and yourself. I can tell you if you go in with the right mindset, you won't be thinking about those "imperfections". A lot of what brings us down are unimportant. Your friends care for you because of your heart. Your significant lover should care for you because of your inner beauty and mind.
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In the end, I am so thrilled that I said "yes" instead of "no" and extremely grateful that Tierney asked me to dance. Also, shout out to FSU's Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. chapter for creating the event. They hosted the battle to give people the opportunity to break out of their shells and perform for the hell of it. This is what we should see often on university campuses and it's refreshing to see people working towards a common positive good. Love yourself and don't hide the wonder you bring to the world. Every human is worth love and every human should give love.
