Take the Time, Live It, Love It, Share It

I spent my youth as a ballerina and it was something that I really enjoyed. I seemed to have a natural talent for it. I lived and breathed for dance and I did quite well for years; but then, life happened; I got married, had kids, and fell away from my love of dance. Who had time anymore? I was a parent now and my passion took the back seat. As it should...to an extent.

Thinking back though, even as parents, we need to make time for ourselves. Finding and doing something that we love sets a good example for our kids. Maybe if they see us taking the time to do the things we enjoy, it can help them to think that, one: “hey maybe I want to do that too”, and two: “that you’re never too old to do what you love.”

Nine years ago, I found Karate and it found me. I’m not sure when exactly it happened, orange belt, or blue, but when it did, it was as if embers rose up within me and grew into a great fire. Like my experience with ballet when I was young, I had come alive again and this time it had spread so vastly that eventually I had found myself with a strong desire to share my love of the art with others. Today I teach regularly as one of the main instructors, and there is nothing more rewarding than to see the smiles and the sense of accomplishment on so many faces.

So my question for you, this day and in your life is, have you found that something that lights a fire within you? If you have not found it yet, keep your eyes open, it is out there, waiting to be discovered. But if you have that special gift, do not let it sit on a shelf, like an old dusty memory, live it, love it, and share it with your children, your friends, and the community. Not only will it make you happier, but you may inspire many others to do the same. Don’t wait any longer, go do it!