So, this past week-end has been physically exhausting but so much fun. Friday night I went to a Zumba White Party. I know you are like, a what? Well, you wear all white and dance in black lights. We had a guest instructor. Her name was Vita. Vita is from the Dominican Republic. Vita can move her hips like there's no tomorrow. She was AHmazing!!! Her choreography was fun and intense too. I was having a GREAT time and then, she did a dance I have been working on. I thought, oh my -- I will NEVER be able to do mine now. It just won't live up to hers. I had a great time but I left a bit discouraged. Then on Sunday I went to do my certification. The trainer, Tony, has been with Zumba for 9 years. He knows and has danced with Beto many many times. He has his own dance studio and has danced professional as a ballroom dancer. While we were training, I was thinking there is just no way I can lead a class like this. But, part of this journey has been identifying negative thinking and challenging it with positive things. There is no positive results in comparing ourselves with others. There is no positive in using words like NEVER. Comparing ourselves brings nothing but fear and anxiety. So, while my hips may not move exactly like Vita's, they move. A year ago I could not make it through a grocery trip without swelling ankles and being exhausted. Now, I can MOVE!! I can dance!! I HAVE moves!! I can race through the grocery store, come home and put them away and do whatever else I need to do. Two months ago, I was extremely fearful to get up in front of a class and lead and now, it's not so scary. My choreography may not be as "professional" looking as Tony but I can still choreograph a dance. And with each new dance I choreograph, the better I get at it. So, comparing outselves is something that is so easy for us to do, it is not beneficial. What is beneficial is to know yourself and to better yourself everyday. Set goals and move forward. Don't waste your time comparing yourself, use your time and follow your passions and dreams. Remember, my friends, we create our lives. So, create something beautiful, go for it and dance through life with all you've got!!