A Little Wiggle

Yesterday, I happened upon this video of Jacob Collier. In it, he talks about the beauty of the word “wiggle” — not that it’s just fun to say, but how beautiful it can be to describe his favorite people, his favorite music, and the nature around him.

It’s no secret that I think Jacob is a musical genius, but this silly monologue touched me like his music often does.

He describes a willow tree in a strong storm. As the straight, linear branches of it’s neighbors snap and break away, the willow’s soft and swaying structure flexes with the strong winds and keep the whole of the tree in tact. It’s softness and flexibility is actually it’s greatest strength.
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My wife is a “wiggly” person. She is the most silly, dancy, carefree, fun-loving person I know. I’ve never seen her actually follow a recipe, but she makes the most incredible food. Her lesson plans weren’t structured down to the minute (unless the administration was breathing down her neck about it), yet her middle school ensembles were always so much more engaged and well-behaved than mine. She gives herself double-chins, speaks in ridiculous accents that sound nothing like what she’s going for, and takes pictures of herself crying at a good book to send to her friends for a laugh.

Everyone loves Gabi. Her “wiggle” is her superpower.
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I often find myself trying to make life into a straight line. I have calendars that lay out entire days, weeks and months. I balance our finance spreadsheet every single day. I eat the same thing for lunch every weekday. I triple-check lists to make sure I have everything I need for performances. I follow practice regimens, daily journaling prompts, meditation routines, exercise programs…

…But I truly feel my best when I let a little “wiggle” in.

Letting loose and playing music that’s not “on the page” on a cover band gig. Making jokes and poking fun with my friends in a group text. Long, aimless walks with Gab solving all of the world’s problems that we have no control over. Putting down the trumpet and picking up an Xbox controller for an hour. Enjoying a beer instead of the glass of water (of which I know I should drink more).
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So today, I choose to be wiggly. I’m straight and linear enough for about three people… my life isn’t going to wiggle off a cliff.

To prove it, I just agreed to a fully spontaneous coffee date with a dear friend in less than two hours from typing this sentence.

How’s that for a wiggle!