Perceived Value and why I keep Dancing

We tend to do the things that hold a personal value for us, and eliminate or ignore the things that do not. It does not matter if 'it is for our own good', until we fully know on a deep personal level the perceived value of implementing a change no amount of evidence to the contrary will lead us willing to take serious action.

In the wellness business it is sometimes a struggle for our members and clients to take the first step, yet it is frequently even harder for them to embrace a permanent change. The willingness to begin occurs when the negative habits that once held a measure of value  (i.e. the comfort from overeating, the relaxation of smoking, etc.) become devalued when the pain outweighs the pleasure (the discomfort and isolation from being overweight, the resulting ill health from smoking) and the NEW benefits achieved through change are perceived as better than what had been (healthy weight, more energy, improved health). 

It is a continual challenge to maintain the perception of value for a new healthy change as old habits die hard. Ever notice that  backsliding into negative patterns tends to occur when for a brief moment, due to a VARIETY of stresses, the pleasure remembered from the old behaviour held MORE appeal? The reasons that tipped the balance in favor of slipping into the destructive mindset of course need to be addressed and dealt with; but my point here is that if we can figure out a way to make the PERCEPTION of VALUE for the new behaviour more permanent, the better the chance the new behaviour will be maintained

I used to dance to because I could not sing and I desperately wanted to be a star: I am the eldest child of 2 other first borns, the first grandchild of 20, first niece, first cousin, etc. and a VERY big deal at my mere existence.  Once I started having to share the spotlight, I was constantly searching for ways to get back that 'special  feeling' that resulted from being the sole recipient of ALL the praise and attention, since I had not yet learned how to internalize it for myself. Of course continually looking for this validation from outside sources  was a recipe for disaster and disappointment- dance became a way of beating myself up (I was too short, not skinny enough, I 'blew' it, etc) if I was not chosen.  The irony being that when I did  get hired, it frequently had little to do with my body or quality of dancing!

It is after I left dance professionally and began to do it for the LOVE of it, and the internal feeling of enjoyment it gives me to be able to continue to create quality movements is when I really embraced what it's value could be for ME.  When I am able to conquer a challenging move, when I see my body further adapt to the proper alignment, there is a great sense of personal accomplishment.  I get a thrill dancing within a group of other strong dancers and I have 'held my own'; I actually get a little nauseous if I have to dance by myself-- no longer needing to be the 'star', I get more enjoyment  being a part of a group and sharing in the combined energy! If I keep these values at the forefront, then my dance experience actually fuels me to get through lifes other challenges.

It is worth it for me to go out of my way to nurture that feeling within myself whenever I can: http://stamford.itsrelevant.com/content/12475/Ballet_School_Moves_Adults

And I will keep looking to create opportunities for other dancers of all ages to nurture that feeling within themselves too:
                             NEW Dance Workshop
                                                 with JASON WISE!

New York Choreographer, Dancer, Broadway Connections Master Instructor

International Tour of “Cats”, National Tour of “Beauty and the Beast" Featured dancer in T.V’s “Smash” and “Pan Am”

 SUNDAY December 9th - 12:30 - 2:30 pm

Open to Dance Students, Teachers, and Dance Enthusiasts Ages 10 - Adult  with previous dance training who would enjoy learning the Jazz choreography from Broadway’s “Cats” and T.V’s “Smash

Enroll today at:   http://www.fitbizbyjoyce.com/dance-workshop.html

Keep on dancin!
Joyce