Well, I survived another Valentine’s Day – a holiday charged with societal expectations that are hard to live up to even if one is in a romantic relationship. It is also celebrated by (single) women as “Galentine’s Day.” This holiday I’m focusing on love and gratitude for my galentines who inspire me and have supported me through many ups and downs, and for my children who are the loves of my life. I’m grateful my daughter came over at lunch to give me purple tulips and raspberry dark chocolate. I’m grateful my son called from college to touch base and ask how I’m doing. I’m grateful for my health, meaningful work, cozy home, and the joy dancing brings me.
After meeting one of my galentines at a cafe after work, I went to my 8pm adult tap class. My teacher had offered to cancel it, to be sensitive to women who may be celebrating with their romantic life partner, but the students declined the offer. All of us — both married and single — emphasized how much we need tap dance in our lives.
My two adult group tap classes this week (practiced the Shim Sham in one and a routine to NKOTB in the other) and my private ballroom lesson (focused on waltz and foxtrot) brought their signature endorphins to my brain and giddy smile to my face. I can always count on dance to make me feel fantastic, no matter what else is going on in my work or personal life. And for these reasons, this is my VALENTINE TO DANCING.
Life Lessons from the Dance Floor 