So…you think you can dance?

This Saturday is National Dance Day. Just writing that sentence makes me nervous. Yes…nervous!

My dance skills have always been meager at best,  and they weren’t enhanced when I was drinking, but the liquid courage allowed me to occasionally cut a rug. Ha!

In my now zero-proof life, dancing scares the holy heck out of me. But secretly or not so secretly, now, I have a strange desire to dance.

Flipping channels on the telly* last night, I came across the hit series, So You Think You Can Dance…a show that truly inspires me. And, the creator of the show, Nigel Lythgoe, also established National Dance Day in 2010.

National Dance Day encourages Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to maintain good health and fight obesity.

Soooo….all of this talk about dance got me thinking. Why am I afraid to dance out loud? Why am I concerned with what others will think of me when they see me flailing about? 🙂

Since being sober, my heart and soul dance daily in the light of the spirit. It’s a magical kind of dance…sometimes slow and dramatic…sometimes unencumbered, loose, and free.

But…why am I afraid of allowing my physical body to follow my heart and soul?

Okay, I am not going to “dance” around the issue. Fear.

Yep, good ol’ fear. The root of all of my challenges.

The only dance I have ever done with any half-mustered confidence is the two-step. I like this style because it includes a partner to guide me. A seasoned two-stepper can make an awkward, double-left legged dancer like me look like a pro.

In recovery, I have found a new guide…not just for dancing but for living. Spirit guides me in all that I do. And, I have faith that I will dance when I am supposed to.

I know that I don’t have to do anything that makes me uncomfortable. I am okay with being me, just as I am. And, if my beautiful jig stays in my heart and never hits the ground…it’s quite alright.

A friend of mine who loves to boogie suggested that I first develop a dance face. She suggested practicing different dance faces while getting ready in the morning! It’s hilarious…I’m working on it, and it feels silly. Silly is good for me.

I haven’t walked through this fear yet…and maybe I never will. However, writing this post is a great first step in my quest to get my groove on.

In the meantime, my heart and soul will continue to shimmy in the light of spirit. The rest will come…or not. And, I am okay either way.

In gratitude,

Twinkle Toes (aka Rene)

* Telly is British English–short for television. I am not British…but similar to Madonna, I sometimes act like I am. 🙂

Share: Do you know someone in recovery who is searching for their dancing shoes? Please share this with them.

And, share with us (in the comments below) how you get your groove on. We love hearing from you.

Are you inspired to break out dancing? Check out at National Dance Day for an event near you.