I Hope You Dance

A new year is here…and I tell you I’m super excited about what it’ll hold! I know my last couple of posts I’ve discussed depression and how I’ve been able to overcome it. I hope I’ve been able to help someone in the process, but as the new year enters, I’m ready to start anew.

I’m always thinking of what I’m going to post next and there is always something that sparks my posts. Watching Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys was that catalyst. I noticed all the little nuggets of real-life situations and advice that it presented. Tyler (we on a first-name basis in my head LOL!) does this in most of his movies, but this one in particular gives it out in droves. I had this workbook when I was going through therapy and one of the questions it asked was “What’s your favorite line from a movie that has helped shape who you are today?” I’ve always thought about when Alfre Woodard is talking about Kathy Bates’s character and she says, “Charlotte used to always ask me, are you living or existing?” and that has been a line that has stuck with me throughout the years. I ask myself that a lot and although I thought that I was living these past years, as I reflect I’ve been doing plenty of existing and not quite enough living.

“Nurturing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential to your survival and well-being.” - Renee Peterson Trudeau

I’m consistently doing a lot for everyone else, but not quite enough for myself. I got a late start in 2022 but in 2023, I’m going to focus on my complete happiness. Not saying that I don’t plan to continue volunteering and working with my organizations, but it’s really time for me to start living and nurturing some of the things that I’ve been working out in my head that will benefit the way I want to live my life. This blog was definitely a step in the right direction! I can’t be my best self if I’m not healthy, so I’m starting there.

“To get rich, never risk your health. For it is the truth that health is the wealth of wealth.” – Richard Baker

Ok…so I’m going to get real candid right now. Over the holidays, I ate (and drank) really bad (I’m sure everyone can relate!) and my digestive system gave me a real wakeup call!! #NewOldBae had to take care of me in the worst way. I was diagnosed with diverticulosis some years back and a flare up is a nasty warning sign when I don’t eat right. This time though, it really scared me…scared me straight! Since overcoming that episode, I have been real gentle with my tummy and easing food back in slowly and picking healthy proteins, veggies, and complex carbs. It’s been the reset that I need to get back to putting my body first. The older I get, I’m realizing that health really is wealth and I wanna be around for a long time enjoying life.

With that said, every new year we make resolutions and the one at the top of the list every year is losing weight. Why is that? If we’re taking care of ourselves throughout the year, we should not have to resolve every single year to lose weight. So, this year I will not resolve to lose weight, I resolve to become and remain healthy through lifestyle change. Choosing healthier meals and getting back in the gym consistently. Not saying it's going to be easy...I love Cheetos, Turtles, Starbucks and Waffle House, none of which are good for you! I know what to do…I just gotta do it! Sad that it took my body telling me to get it together, before paying real attention.

“You can be young without money, but you can’t be old without it.” – Tennessee Williams

Not only am I planning to focus on my physical and mental health, but my financial health is also a top priority. I have not always made good decisions when it comes to how I spend/save my money (I LOVE SHOES!!!). But again, as I get older, I’m realizing that I’ve wasted far too much time not committing properly to saving for retirement. It really hit me as I was leaving the office one day and this older lady, who is a custodian, could barely walk as she pushed an oversized garbage can. I pass her all the time and speak and ask how she’s doing, but for some reason that day, I looked at her and saw myself if I don’t get my finances in order. I want to be healthy and young enough to enjoy retirement and travel as much as possible without the worry of money. Preparation and discipline is key…and although I’m getting a late start, I feel that if I buckle down, I can make my goal happen within the time I've given myself. I know that life happens, but what do I always talk about? Pivot! Pivoting to turn the cards in your favor is never a bad idea if you understand how it changes the narrative in the long run. Always strive to make smart decisions and worthy risks that enhance your life.

“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.” – Unknown

Now, back to the movie that inspired this week’s post and the song title. I’ve always loved the song I Hope You Dance and the original singer Lee Ann Womack but listening to Gladys Knight sing it at the end of Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys, the second verse just hit the nail on the head for me.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, Never settle for the path of least resistance, Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin', Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin',

Don't let some Hell bent heart leave you bitter, When you come close to sellin' out reconsider, Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance... I hope you dance.

Taking risks grows us fundamentally. Doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes along the way but turn what you may consider a loss into a lesson. I talked about change being inevitable in one of my previous posts. Change is good…it takes us out of our comfort zone, makes us think differently and be creative with our outcomes.

I’m claiming 2023 as a year of continued growth, because learning is infinite, and being my best healthy and wealthy self. If you’re reading this…I hope you take great chances and choose to dance when the time comes. Cheers to a new year!

Until next time…thanks for listening!

I Hope You Dance - Songwriters Tia Sillers / Mark Sanders

Just a note: I absolutely love the picture that I added to this post. It was taken the day I did the photoshoot for this blog. I was dancing like no one was watching and my photographer was just snapping away!