Just got done teaching one of my dance classes for today, but took some time to practice what I’d learned last night in my own class. I left the studio sweating, less than satisfied with my performance and very pleased with myself. Huh?
This is the first year that I’ve danced in Workshop–a mix of teens and adults. I’m going to come right out and tell you, these girls are fabulous dancers. They are doing amazing things that I don’t think I had the skill or training to do when I was their age. And now, I’m the old lady of the group and there are days–I’m not going to lie–when my ego is crushed. I used to be front and center. Now the dancer I am in my head isn’t usually the one I see in the mirror. I get a tiny bit bummed out–until I remember my heart.
First and foremost, I love to dance. It’s heart work for me. It makes me be a better, happier, healthier person. I move emotions around with my body the way I do with my words when I’m writing. It fills my empty spaces with good things and it flushes away the crap. Simply put, I love to dance. But that’s not all, there’s also love for everyone I dance with–I belong there. We laughed together and we cry together. Fortunately we get to laugh a lot more than we cry. You know you’re with the right group of friends when you feel comfortable doing both.
So that covers EGO and HEART, but what about HEALTHY COMPETITION you ask? Shhh don’t tell–it’s a secret–old dogs CAN learn new tricks. It’s hard work, but I’m growing as a dancer. The trick is to remember I said healthy competition. I’m not challenging the girls in class–I’m pushing myself to do better and I like what I’m seeing. I won’t lie–I can’t say I won’t be in line for that time machine when someone finally builds it, but then again–maybe I’ll be too busy dancing.
PS Don’t forget you can still participate in my HELPING THE AWESOME DARKNESS OF YA BECOME VISIBLE CONTEST!!!!
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Competition with oneself is the healthiest kind. I can't dance worth beans, but I feel that way about my writing–if I can write better than the yesterday me, I feel pretty good. 🙂
Aww, love it! Without passion, dancing is only a series of technical steps. You go, girl! *dances around desk – to the beat of own drummer*
Linda-I feel the same way about my own writing. I think you go crazy if you try to compare yourself to everyone else out there. And Jodi-desk dancing is the best!!!!