Expansion and positive change on the outer level is much more likely to come into your life if you can enjoy what you are doing already, instead of waiting for some change so that you can start enjoying what you do.
–Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth
I know I started in on this whole Mid-Career Crisis thing a while back, and then I sort of dropped it like a hot potato. It never really went away. But my attitude towards what I’m currently doing is shifting. Like Mr. Tolle has painfully pointed out to me again and again, I love being miserable and will seek out those situations that can feed that need to pity myself. What good does that do? To me? To those around me?
So, my dancing. Is it better? Probably not. Especially since I’ve apparently swallowed a small animal with the pounds I’ve been quickly packing away. (This is where I’d ask you to slap me out of the negativity. A good hard smack.) Am I getting more recognition? Truth be told, I am probably getting just as much, but I’m just listening more. And comparing less. My success or failure really shouldn’t depend on what is said to me or to others, and the more I can repeat this mantra under my breath during class and rehearsal, the better off I am.
What I AM trying to do is get back to the basics. The pure and simple enjoyment of feeling my body move through space. The power that comes with feeling strong, the rush of energy that comes from getting my heart rate up and breaking a sweat. The humor in a shaky leg as it creeps up to an extension. The breath that comes from those around me as they navigate the space with me.
Don’t get me wrong. I still pine for something else. But maybe something as startling as a sudden career change is the wrong thing right now. I think I need to take it slow. Baby steps à la Bill Murray. Singing with my kids this afternoon, albeit to the Tangled soundtrack, made me long for a voice lesson. On the docket for today: sniff out a voice teacher and/or acting classes. Low commitment stuff for the time being, but something.
And while I’m at it, can I look around for a cooking class? Something that lets me bring home a few leftovers? Who’s with me?
No related posts.
Me! I’m all about expanding my horizons. Sometimes we have to take a step back from our lives and say, why aren’t I happy? No job is ever going to be completely fulfilling, so maybe other things need be cut or new things need to be discovered!
Dancing bring such a rush of emotion. I used to dance all the time. I felt like I was flying on wings of joy when I would dance. My heart still soars when I hear certain types of music, but my legs won’t take me anywhere. I’ve tried dancing in my wheelchair, but it just isn’t the same, so I close my eyes and pretend…I hope you enjoy the music!
New Follower! Hope you can stop by for a visit.
Thanks, Becky Jane
http://RiseAboveYourLimits.blogspot.com/
Never give up on dancing! I was a dance teacher all throughout my high school and college years, but that’s taken a 6 year hiatus since having babies. But I still dance…even though I don’t teach. But one day I will teach again! I’m actually dancing as I read your post (what a coingky dink)
Jen - glad you’re on board! LOL I do believe in personal growth as a way towards happiness. It just gets lost in the day to day of diapers, tantrums and endless cleaning.
Becky - Hi there! I’m actually already a follower of your blog and peeked in there the other day to comment on how amazed I am at your ability to raise 11 kids! There are dance companies around that feature wheelchair bound dancers. Have you ever checked out AXIS? http://www.axisdance.org/index.php
Rachel - How fun! I’m glad to see another dancer around these parts. What kind of dance?
Hey! Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger award. Please check out my blog for more info and pass it on to other bloggers: http://confessionsfromboystown.blogspot.com/2011/05/versatile-blogger-award.html
Talk to you soon!
Thanks, Sorta, for the nomination - how sweet! Love your posts…