Day 2153 Showing Up

 

One of my former dance moms sent me this photo, taken over ten years ago, along with the sweetest message. She thanked me for taking the time to become one of her daughter’s trusted adults so early in her life. She went on to tell me how grateful she still is, and how her daughter is still slow to warm up to people, shy, but that I helped her build trust and find her bravery. How sweet is that?!

I remember this photo as if it were yesterday, and I remember that sweet little girl just as clearly. She’ll be just fine, she’s smarter than she is shy, and there’s nothing wrong with being cautious in this world. Allowing kids to be their own people, embracing them for their differences instead of trying to put them all into the same square box is one of the most important things adults can do. 

I get messages like this every so often from parents and former students, and each and every time I feel incredibly blessed to have played such a positive role in so many lives. My students were all so darn special to me, and having the chance to watch them grow up, and still be part of so many of their lives, is beyond awesome. Kids are my favorite humans: their raw emotions, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn and have fun at all costs… you’ve gotta admire that.

After shoveling my walks and driveway, I was also painfully reminded of how much better shape I was in back then. Teaching multiple dance classes each day had a way of keeping my body in check. Now what? I had been running every single day, a year or so ago, but somehow dropped it from my routine without even realizing it. Waking up to snow-shoveling soreness made it very clear, I need to get back at it and add a workout into my daily routine again..and I'm too darn OCD to do anything half way, so either I add it to my daily life, or it won't happen...ugh! 

I’m a morning workout gal, so I’ll have to carve that time back out, because I refuse to let age, or laziness, get the best of me. If there’s one thing teaching kids taught me, it’s that showing up consistently matters. So here’s to showing up again....for my body, my health, and the next chapter ahead.... all with the enthusiasm of a five year old. Life is all about showing up...for yourself and others! 

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” ~ Alexandra K. Trenfor