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! 

List of Thanks

I happen to love snow. I do. I love standing out in it and listening to- you hear that? That's right. Nothing. Just absolute silence: even cars driving by are muted as drivers hesitate to speed faster than fifteen miles an hour. Birds are nestled into their nests; deer have retreated into their stone hovels, but snowflakes, though light on my tongue and cheek and eyes, weigh down hundred-year-old trees, deaden grass; no other color exists for they have blended into one: white.

But my apparent love for all things winter is now muted- I've hesitated to embrace this, another storm; tired of nestling and retreating; I feel more weight than I do light no matter how bright snow insists it is.

I know it isn't easy to have a good mood on days like this, especially when I've already spent all my good moods on previous days; now I feel as though the weather deserves my bitterness. Ha, can something like the weather, however animate it may appear, really deserve my bitterness? It's just snow. The snow may even be a result of my apathetic addition to pollution, but that's an entirely different conversation...

I don't want to be bitter.

But what else can I feel on a day like this?

On the spectrum of emotions, I should say I have a plethora of choices.

Although today, I will try my best to avoid its more negative side. I know I sometimes regret the unfailing optimism of people, sometimes labeling them 'unrealistic', but how is it unrealistic to be thankful?

1. shelter
2. clothes
3. family
4. electricity
5. blankets
6. books
7. television (up for debate)
8. that this day will soon be over, and I can prepare for tomorrow.

I should be thankful that I have all these things, some people don't. I do not suggest that the suffering of others should induce me to blind gratefulness, but it should induce me to give them things to be thankful for. Here I am, enabled to help others. (9) I am in the unique position to help others.

Yes, I am definitely begging for summer weather. I cannot wait for spring dresses and open-toed shoes, and a full day of work! But I'll work with what I have. Too much time is wasted on attitudes that are nearer to heart attacks rather than smiles. 

Passion: ??

Work is not unusual. People work all the time, especially now that technology enables us to work more than sleep, eat, or love. And yet, however addicted we are to our work we sometimes can feel lost, purposeless; confused. What is all this work for? There are a lot of different answers, some answers contradict other answers (we are bound to conflict in this world), but differing answers has never stopped most people from working. If anything, sometimes the most hard-working people have got only one thing going for them: Passion.

I like to watch people work. I take great joy in watching other people enjoy work, enjoy life because sometimes, why do you need any other reason but to enjoy what you do? 

Still, it is rare to find the work you love to do; the work you are passionate about. But why should difficulty stop you from finding that great passion of your life?

From the moment you are born your potential does not cease to grow and evolve. Every day you are either closer or further from what you love to do; it is never to late to search after it, or abandon. People succeed and quit every day: this does not lessen hope; this should fan hope into a bonfire because you don't know whether or not you will fail. No one has any idea! And even if your 'fate' or 'destiny' or whatever is written in stone, you certainly don't know what it reads- no one knows what it reads- so don't act like you do know. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Seriously, don't know it all! You don't!

Just work.

I know. It's all easier said than done. Everything is easier said than done, but then you do it, and you're like, "Oh. Wow. I did it. Let's do it again!" 

Because the sweetness of success and contentment will overwhelm the bitterness of failure and loss. 

Passionate people are such a joy to watch because they love what they do; they are in their natural environment--they may even encourage you to be passionate, too. 

You may not take to it like a fish to water, but maybe you belong in a different ocean. 

Comfort Zones: No Can Do.

If life has taught me anything lately (and right now, I am- apparently- at the best age to learn), it's always good to try something new, not because it will benefit me--it could harm me--but because it could benefit me.

Any time you try something new, you never know what will happen.

Kids don't know that broccoli can be tasty because it's strange and green, and definitely not pizza. But, kid, have you ever had Parmesan roasted broccoli? Or grilled broccoli with chicken? Or cheese and broccoli soup? Oh man!

You've tried aerobics? You didn't like it? Oh, well, have you ever tried rock-climbing? Or swimming? Or yoga? Belly dance?! Yeah, that's an exercise!

Don't get me wrong: I am all about sweatpants over stilettos. I like lounging around doing nothing and watching television. I like sleeping. But I can't sleep all the time. And sometimes, you know, I wanna rock those stilettos over someone's heart!

Trying something new is scary, and there are so many ways it could go wrong...but it could also go sooooooooo right. Is the risk worth it? Every. Time.

Even here at our dance studio we're trying something new. We're starting a new class: Dance It Out! Yeah, that one you saw on television. Totes, bro! And so far, going super well.

Variety is the spice of life, eh?!

Can you do it?

Hell yeah, you can! (If you'll pardon my colorful expression.)

Goodbye 2013: Happy New Day!

One of the best things about the New Year is that it's a new year- hello, 2014. Who doesn't love new?

New is so great.

New is so grand.

New is so full of potential it hurts and scares a lot of people.

So new.

Yet, thirteen days have gone by; all the fireworks have stopped, the wine's mostly gone, and people are back to 'reality' which already feels kind of old; routine does that: it's hard to remember midnight promises when the other 23 hours and 59 minutes are overwhelmingly full of ugly things like doubt and mediocrity. It's hard to feel new when new things gradually become old; before we know it, 2015 will be the new 2014.

But then we can't forget that we have 352 midnight promises left to either make or break. That means 352 other midnights to sleep fresh and reconsider, "Who am I? What exactly do I want to do?" That also means we have 352 other mornings where we can be grateful for new days- rainy or sunny- to make mistakes and learn from them; to meet new people; to visit new places; to fight for more causes.

Maybe instead of saying, 'Happy New Year' once a year, we should say to each other, "Happy New Day!" Yeah, maybe you'll become one of those annoying perky people- whatever to anyone who doesn't like it: you don't need that kind of negativity in your life. You're too freaking awesome for that kind of negativity, remember that.

So that maybe when 2015 comes round you won't have the same old regrets; you'll have new regrets! You'll have more chances to become a better and more beautiful you.

Happy New Year. Happy New Day, Every Day.

Take advantage. You only have today. Make it count.