Thank you Eleanor!

Recently, I read a book about Eleanor Roosevelt.  It was one of the standard books you might see today. A semi-decent writer spent a year exploring the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.  We have seen this theme before.  I loved learning about her (Eleanor). She was constantly learning, evolving and challenging herself.  Within the book, the author decides to do something which makes her scared/afraid each day.  I didn't want to cheapen the experience, so I decided to take on one big challenge.

When I was younger, I was not coordinated.  I still am not.  I could not master a jumping jack until I was a teen.  Neen, my older sister, would say I never did.  When gym class did jump rope relays I was picked last.   In my mind, I wanted to be a beautiful ballerina.  I did not have the opportunity when I was younger.  Now,  I am aware of how much a lack.  I decided to embrace Eleanor's challenge and take an adult ballet class.  What a learning opportunity. Hands, feet, arms, thighs and head must all be symmetrical. They must move through careful attention to detail.  In a strange way, it seems mathematical to me.

As I work at the bar, I feel like a bird or a dancer in an intense ballet movie. When I look in the mirror, I look more like sharp angles struggling to make shapes. It conjures every thought you would have of awkwardness.  I cannot even move half as much as my talented teacher.  She is beautiful to watch.  Every finger and toe is graceful.  Her turnout is so wonderful, I sometimes get her left and right foot mixed-up.  Because everyone is an adult, I don't feel shame.  I don't wait to be picked last. Instead, I am pretending and having a great time.

Today is my birthday and I am requiring change of myself.  So, I am stepping out of my comfort zone.  I am trying to mildly attempt the introduction of fear in my life. Perhaps I will do it more on a yearly basis.  There may not be a recital, but I will try to show you my awesome barre work.

Comments

Carolyn said…
This is just Wow. I love that you are taking a ballet class! It does take bravery to try new things as an adult. It seems really easy as a parent to coach a young child and even nag that child into doing better at something that's difficult for them. But as an adult, I seriously don't want to get out of my comfort zone very often. (I did a few years ago when I finally agreed to let my husband help teach me how to swim, and it was a very humbling, awkward experience for me.) ... I look forward to hearing about new things you plan to try. :)
Jen said…
love that you are taking ballet! I have always been interested in Eleanor R. but not done anything more then read a few articles. What book? Miss you!

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