I Am Grateful For My Body Because…

I’m grateful for my body because, through her, I’ve been able to explore my greatest passions; dance, aerial arts, and fitness. And ultimately turn them into careers! My body thrives on the discipline of skill building and discovering what I’m capable of. When it comes to training, I never get bored of the cycle of repetition and growth, no matter how long it takes to reach my goal. That journey feels like play to me. I love the way a physical challenge fills my mind with questions, curiosities and ideas to explore. And ain’t nothin’ sweeter than finally being able to do what I once deemed “impossible”. I love training for “the impossible”!

I’m also grateful for my body because it’s always felt like the safest vehicle for honest self-expression outside of my journal. Growing up in a high-control religion, it didn’t feel safe to verbalize what I truly thought, felt, or believed. Instead, my body became my mouthpiece and dance liberated my words. Dance – and later aerial arts – dared me to explore all sides of my personality and experience the full spectrum of my emotions. They allow me to take a tour my internal world to fully experience my confidence, fears, joy, vulnerability, rage, and sensuality. Movement has made me feel like an emotionally well-rounded human being. But it’s taken years to nurture, develop and trust that type of uninhibited self-expression – especially in front of an audience.

My body, through movement, has taught me how beautifully complex, creative, capable and uniquely individual I am. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.

S.I.T. With Yourself in April

This month’s #soakedinthought journaling prompts are dedicated to body confidence and fitness as a lifestyle. As we move into Spring and the fitness industry ramps up its messaging about getting “in shape” for Summer, I hope you’ll sit with yourself to figure out what your body, mind, and spirit need to feel healthy, fit, and happy – without all the external voices.