We just wrapped up November and started the final month of the year. I am, like many of you probably are, experiencing a pas de deux of emotions. What is a pas de deux? Well, in the ballet world it’s a dance for two people. It’s usually grand and full of emotions (as well as beautiful lifts and turns). I think that adequately expresses how many of us are feeling right now too.
Life has thrown us twists and turns this year and we often are left to feel “both/and”. Recently, for example, our community experienced a tragic event. Many of us felt BOTH sad AND grateful. Sad that so many were hurt, but grateful we were physically okay. Both ready and willing to help, and also helpless. We want to do whatever we can to help those in need, but aren’t sure if the small things we are able to do are actually making a difference.
This week we went back to class after having a week off for Thanksgiving. Some of our younger dancers expressed that while they were excited to get back to dance, they also still felt sad too. It almost felt wrong to be dancing when we knew there were young local dancers that were still hurt and could not. We talked it out with them and let them know that we feel dancing is, in fact, the best way to honor them. And we know it’s so good for our souls and can help process our emotions.
Our “live your best life” challenge last month was all about GRATITUDE. We had so many beautiful notes of things and people they were grateful for all over our walls. It was so inspiring to read. This month, our challenge is all about GIVING. I think these two challenges represent a beautiful pas de deux.
When we are grateful for what we have, we are more willing to help and give those who do not have. That can be with our time, money, gifts, advice, meals…you name it. We were blown away with the generosity of our dance families, both with notes of gratitude and concern, gifts for local families in need and contributions, both monetary and heartfelt letters, for our community and the parade victims.
So as we are about to take the final bow for 2021, we encourage you to think about ways you can continue to give to others. It feels good to be able to help however we can and know that you are making a difference in someone’s life by doing so. That…is a beautiful pas de deux.
~Miss Kate
