11/23/2022
And another trip around the sun! Today is my special day.
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Anyone who knew me before I started dancing probably remembers how I loved taking pictures and video of whatever I was up to with friends and my travels. With all my vintage cameras I fancied myself an amateur photographer. However once I started ballroom dancing, something changed.
Even though I was very excited about my new journey and the life of a competitive dancer - performer - teacher, I stopped sharing as much. I became insecure. A small part is because dancing made me more aware of lines, and I never thought mine were good enough. Especially compared to who I was around at the time - multiple world champions. However I see now the bigger reason is because of those very same people. At first I was too muscular to be a dancer so I needed to stop working out. Then I was too skinny so I needed to eat more. After that there were things I needed to change with my face, my hair, the way I took pictures, how I spoke, the clothes I wore, and things I shared on my social media.
I'm tired of being body shamed. Years of that really takes a toll on how you see yourself and how you think others see you. I feel like this past year I've begun to discover myself again. I'm grateful for all the hard times that broke me and brought me to this point, the blessings, and the people in my life. A few of you saved me. You mean more than you know, and I thank you for all the love and support.
If you see me today buy me some food and have a dance with me!
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