The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
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information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Tonight, I went to yet another place to dance. This time I didn't wait around on a friend who invited me and then forgot it because of a major upset in her life. I went by myself. I didn't struggle to do it. I just did it. I got to my gym where Ballroom Dancing Lessons were being held. As usual, more women then men. As it turned out, the women who didn't have partners formed two dyads. My partner used to teach aerobics so she decided she'd dance the man's part. We laughed each time I stumbled through a slow waltz with a turn. Every once in awhile, she'd have to say "I'm the Man!!!!!" as my need to lead would bounce in with the wrong step and mess us up. Then, it came time to learn a little bit about the swing in triple time. We (me) stumbled my way through that one, too, only not as badly as I had in the waltz. Then, music! Celebration by Kool and the Gang. It was as if my muscles remembered not the swing but the music and started doing its thing. Again - "I'm the man!!!" and I'd go back to placing my feet where they'd belong.
The best part of tonight was that throughout each dance and my stumbles, those old words from a long time ago would make themselves known: "You look like an elephant. I'm not going to take you back to dance class." And thanks to my sponsor, the program and the fellowship, I could mentally say "No. I'm a woman with new people learning two new dances. I'll be coming back."
Even though I stumbled a bit, my partner and I began to dance to the music of Celebration with so much energy and joy, the instructor yelled at us from her place among all the couples: "Wow! You two are swinging!" Yes, we were with joy and rhythm and delight.
When the class ended, I drove home. Over my neighborhood and close to my house were fireworks lighting up the sky. Although I know they weren't being shot off for me, they did help me smile and be pleased with myself for doing what I wanted to do - no matter how I looked or how many times my partner had to remind me "I'm the man!!!" Great night. Thanks for helping me get there and heal an old wound.
-- Edited by grateful2be on Friday 2nd of January 2015 08:58:33 PM
Oh I was right there with you! How fabulously wonderful you got your groove back and enjoyed 2 celebrations. One with Kool and the Gang and the other with your HP lighting up the sky just for you
yay for you!!! sounds like you had a great time. That's what matters! Sometimes I do not feel like going to martial arts...but every time I go I always feel better afterwards. exercise releases those endorphins in our brains and we feel good! Celebrate good times!! come on! It's a celebration!! :)
-- Edited by Newlife girl on Saturday 3rd of January 2015 12:43:24 AM
Wow, big time program at work! So glad you got out of your head and out living life! Al-anon rocks and I am so glad to hear your share tonight! Sending you love and support!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
Great post grateful, joy, joy. Love that you were the man but kept forgetting, so much fun in dancing. You are a brilliant example, i plan to do a bit of this myself this year.x
Love this new avatar, Paula. Reminds me of the clear, clear blue waters of the Clarion River that my x and I both saw on our trip to New York many, many years ago when I was pregnant with our firstborn, banks of solid earth I have stood upon to watch rushing or still waters, and inviting domiciles that are and were hospitable on the floating island of life's ebb and flow.
On the subject of a 30 day dancing challenge - I'll put on some music and dance a little today. Thanks for the reminder I don't need a class to go to to dance a bit each day.
Glad you danced to the music! Very, very glad you took on the 30 day challenge - that means we all get to see a wonderful slide show of color and form. Would you mind sharing the reason for the title? Is there a story behind it?
Wow, Catherine, great share....i had fun reading this....and oh yea, kool and the gang, i enjoyed their music......i am so glad u went out dancing AND you did it on your own....that THAT is KOOL
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Live and let live and do it with peace and goodwill to all!!!!
There was a party goin' on...Neshema! I agree. It was Kool! My partner and I were equally matched when it came to laughing together and similar ages. I might not end up on Dancing with the Stars - since I'm not a star, but I certainly had fun with a lively person who I did enjoy. Maybe we'll end up friends? I think I'd like that.
Yay and Yippee!