The Other Side

So, recently I watched The Greatest Showman (Yes, I understand it’s a controversial movie with the delicate history of the circus, but I am not here to discuss that), and I just want to say that the theme and music in it gave me so much LIFE.

One of the main themes within the movie was “Risk;” Risking tangible elements (money, personal belongings, etc.) and risking intangible elements (love, reputation, career, fame, etc.) In the movie, the main character, Barnum, basically puts everything he owns (which isn’t much) on the line to create (what we know as the circus) a show full of laughter, imagination, and excitement- the world’s greatest show. As Barnum’s show grows and gains more attention and publicity, he decides he wants to expand the interest to a wealthier crowd. Barnum decides to target a young, wealthy man named Bailey, who invests much of his time in the fine arts.

As you can imagine, convincing a rich man to run away and join the circus wasn’t an easy feat. Barnum takes Bailey out for a couple of drinks and makes the circus sound more appealing than you or I ever could through song. If you would like to see their performance, called “The Other Side,” please click here. This song is one of the many scenes in the movie that gave me so much LIFE, not because it’s catchy and Zac Efron is sexy as hell performing, but because the message of it is authentic.

And I can cut you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in
So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it's crazy, live a little crazy

But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little
Just let me give you the freedom to dream 

I think the message of this song goes a little deeper than just encouraging someone to join the circus. Recently, I was told by someone that I was “too childish.” I don’t even remember what I was doing, but in my head it wasn’t even anything outrageous, and if any of you know me, you do know that I can be pretty outrageous sometimes lol. Being called “too childish” didn’t offend me because I am okay with being “childish.” I enjoy being silly, playing games, using my imagination and engaging in activities that an “adult” wouldn’t partake in because that’s what keeps me young. To be honest, the person’s comment actually made me feel sorry for them because I think that it came from a place of personal unhappiness.

All too often I think we paint a picture of what our lives should look like and we label certain activities or phases as being a part of only our youth. I think in doing this we create the “walls we keep in.” We reach a certain age or period of our lives where it’s no longer kosher to speak in silly voices, jump on a giant pillow at the pumpkin patch or run around excitedly because we’re afraid of looking foolish. By repressing those "childish" urges, we in turn limit our own happiness.

My mom has always told me I am a big kid and says I should never lose my ability to be a child because it’s this ability that will keep me laughing, smiling and running when I am 80 years old. Age is only a number and it’s our energy and passion that truly defines how “old” we are. No age, career or period in your life has to look a certain way and if you feel opposing, perhaps you may be one of the many kept inside the walls.

Life is short. Take risks. Jump at the trampoline park, sing really loud, play ninja at the park and watch a cartoon, regardless of what or how you or anyone else thinks your life should look, sound or feel at the time. Come join me on “The Other Side.”