The Inevitability of Change

Remember that song that came out a while ago?

You want me to change, change, change.
You want me to chaaaaaaaaaaaaaange.
You want me to change, change, change.
You want me to change! 

This song is anthemic for one reason only: don't try to change me. I mean, the song repeated the chorus at least six times! But what kind of change are we talking about? Because there are different kinds of change.

To make you want me, I can fabricate the truth... << that's bad change.

You don't have to protect me! I'm not afraid!
Please don't shut me out again.
Please don't slam the door. 
You don't have to keep your distance anymooooooore. << what Anna said to Elsa - good change.

Don't lie about who you are, of course! But don't ever think there's never room for improvement.

Coming from me, if someone tells me to do something different, I become this spiteful little thing and refuse to do it. But after careful thought and some introspection, "Maybe I should focus on that area of my life." I always like to break the status quo for myself.

What can I do next?

Where can I go now?

Ooh! New recipe to try!

Don't change for anyone else but yourself.

Holidays Throughout the Year

I don't celebrate a lot of holidays. Sometimes, I don't even celebrate New Year's Day because I'd much rather be asleep than watch a big shiny ball drop. But I do like to research holidays, when I get the chance because holidays aren't just days off of work and school- holidays celebrate something good that happened in the past, or something we hope will happen in the future. Holidays commemorate times we need to remember.

So, whether or not you celebrate Passover or Good Friday or Easter, you might enjoy knowing what and why and how others celebrate it because in a world of misunderstanding, I want to understand.

These are just suggestions- I'm sure you could do a Google search of your own, or even ask friends, and your answers might be more fruitful than mine. Your local library might have books out for you to peruse if you're a little more curious; a little more adventurous.

However, just so you know, the articles I present are not official, and some are more commentary/opinion than a list of facts, fun or otherwise. Feel free to agree, or disagree, but whatever you choose, have a Happy Holiday! We'll see you next Monday, 21 April, refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Passover:

Passover 2014, The Unleavened Basics: Dates, Facts And History Of Pesach
Passover 2014: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Popular Jewish Holiday

Good Friday:
Religious holidays like Passover and Good Friday are emotionally complicated
What is Good Friday/Holy Friday?
Good Friday on Wikipedia

Easter:
Easter on Wikipedia
What Is The Meaning Of Easter? 8 Fun Facts You May Not Have Known About Religious Holiday

Act Like a Fool

Laughter, like a good meal, is one of those things that can be shared with friends or strangers, but is your own. I don't know if it's a scientific fact, but I'll bet that the sound of your laugh is about as unique as your fingerprints. No one else laughs like you. 

What's so good about laughing? People might see my yellow teeth, or smell my bad breath, or just see my awkward smile. 

Uh, WHO CARES BECAUSE WHEN YOU CARE YOU'RE NOT LAUGHING. You need to laugh. Laughter is so good for you.

Maybe, don't, like, laugh at a funeral or when someone gives bad news- obviously you'll want to use discretion, but seriously laugh.

Laugh at yourself when you make a mistake.

Laugh while you're dancing.

Laugh while you're paying bills (you probably already do this).

Laugh in your dreams. 

Laugh when you're sick. 

Any time is a good time to laugh. You'll also burn a few calories. 

Don't believe me that laughter is good for you? Then I dare ya to do a quick Google search, or tickle your children, or your pet (unless it's a fish or iguana). Laughter's the best medicine. Drop the necessary caffeine, and laugh with someone in the morning- the annoyed person chasing you will wake you up faster that way.

Fight Like Jason Bourne

Self-defense is no easy thing, and yet it would seem that every actor and actress in Hollywood is in on it. How is that? Well, because they get to pretend to be superheroes for big bucks!

But you don't need big bucks or a nifty cape to be skilled in the art of self-defense because we'd like to offer two more classes because now that you can dance so well, it's time you learn how to fight back your raving fans!

Tae Kwon Do:
Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean martial art, dynamic in its movements and philosophy. Beautiful and active, you'll learn discipline and strength. Great for children of all ages. 

Krav Maga:
Krav Maga is a martial art developed in the 1930s orginally for the Israeli army. Celebrated for its modernity, it is inspired by several martial arts such as, savate, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Judo, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. Still can't imagine it? Watch the Jason Bourne films- that's how you'll learn to fight. This is better suited for teenagers and adults.

As always, we want to make sure that Life Movement Dance Center is like your second home, but even the most familiar places surprise you- kind of like rereading a favorite book, or re-watching a film, or re-hiking a trail, or going through old family album: smiles spread biggest on your face when you're reminded of good times, or told that good times are about to be had. 

We hope you'll join us on this new path we're taking. 

See you soon! And with more information, too! 

Individual Results

Twenty minutes today! Twenty minutes on the treadmill flew by today, and how did it fly by, you ask? Because I didn't worry about how long or how fast I was walking. I just walked, and I made it a leisurely activity instead of a chore. I was also reading a book.

When I first started taking dance lessons I was admonished: "Stop thinking," because like breathing, I shouldn't have to think about dancing. I don't tell my lungs to expand and contract, so I shouldn't have to tell my muscles to move.

I mean, okay, okay, at first I'll have to train myself to move properly. Exercise done poorly is worse than sitting on the couch lazily, but if I stop focusing on the pain, or how funny or ugly I look compared to my trainer.

Have you ever noticed how different people are? Take a walk in the mall, any mall, and look at the people shopping. Not at the people in advertisements, but in the people standing with you in line--look at how different they are. They're probably looking back at you, wondering why you're so put together and they're not. Yup, see, we're not all that different.

We all want results, yes, yes, we do, but instead of thinking about what you could be, or why you don't look or think like the person next to you, first develop who you are.

Maybe you can't read and walk at the same time, or maybe walking isn't your thing- maybe you could listen to some radio theatre while you're exercising, or babysit your neighbor's cat who will probably exercise with you; or exercise with a friend! Misery loves company, indeed! Now you'll have something to talk about with your friends, "Oh! My legs don't want to move."
   "Mine neither! ...Should we work out our arms now?"
   "Only if you let me call in sick tomorrow."




Hey, today you look great.

For more inspiration, read 7 Reasons to Stop Proving Yourself to Everyone Else. Note it's not 7 steps- it's 7 reasons. You'll have to find those steps on your own.

Let's Get it Started!

Let's be honest: exercising is hard.

For myself, I enjoy exercising. Truly, I do. I don't really enjoy how I feel during, but after is a great sensation of happiness and health, I guess except for the sweaty skin and icky hair. Ech. But I have to tell you another honest statement: that great sensation of happiness and health is often not reason enough to get me to endure the horrible feelings during exercising.

The start of something is always harder than the actual doing of it.

"If I could just get started on this homework..."

"If I pay this bill first..."

"Must. Not. Watch. Next. Episode. Oops,"

Why is it so hard to get started, even though I know the moment I start it'll be a breeze, or at least, it'll get done? Why do I do that?

This morning I finally decided that I would get up and walk on the treadmill before I had to drop my sister off at school, and already I feel better. I started my day earlier. I've not noticed anymore dramatic changes, not immediately, but walking on the treadmill is not as hard as my sleepy mind makes it out to be.

Maybe it's not exercising that's hard; it's the will and determination to exercise.

Oh!

I Like to Move It-Move It!

Speed is everything. But slow and steady win the race.

Which is it? Do I exercise as fast as I possibly can or do I take a couple hours to really work it all out?

Well, it depends because fifteen minutes of kick boxing is better than sixty minutes of malformed aerobics, and sixty minutes of Zumba may be more fun than ten minutes of lazy Yoga. But I speak generally because everyone is different: people like different things and that includes different ways of exercising. 

Some people need something relaxing while exercising- they prefer listening to Handel while running some laps around the field. Other people really need Shakira while Crossfit-ing, and neither are 'wrong'.  Of course, it's never wrong to exercise, unless you're in a full-body cast then you might want to wait a little. 

The point is to get active in any way you can! Even if you're not doing it well, you got'a do it wrong first before someone can come 'round and correct you. This is best done if you don't mind people watching (because they probably aren't anyway). When you stop wondering if people are watching, you are free to move as you can and want, and soon, maybe, people will follow the way you move. 

Because there's definitely nothing like enjoying yourself when you're out and about, moving and grooving to the beat of your own drum; besides, you'll be that much closer to finding rhythms in sync with your own!