Just Do the Thing

I was sitting on my couch one night, mindlessly scrolling through social media, when a local event caught my eye.

A belly dance convention. Just an hour away. In about a month. Plenty of time to make plans!

I clicked on the link, crossing my fingers that it would be “my style” of belly dance. If you’re not familiar with belly dance, there are many different styles. And just like any other creative art form, everyone thinks their favorite style is the best.

And I’m no different than everyone else 🤣 I’m trained in Egyptian Cabaret and I think that’s the best style.

So I held my breath as the workshop page loaded. And there, before my very eyes, I found not only a few Egyptian style workshops but an Egyptian belly dance competition…with a Rising Star (amateur) division.

I think I was still holding my breath as I contemplated signing up. I have not been on stage since before my oldest was born. He’s 7. I was single, working 3 jobs, going back to school to finish my bachelors degree. I thought I was busy then. As a working mother of 2, do I have the time to put together a choreography, and more importantly get the costume, hair and makeup together?

I sat on that fence for a few days. What kind of song would I choose? I browsed through my costume collection. I don’t know how, but I lost every top to every belly dance costume I own. For some reason, they did not make the move out of Illinois with the rest of the costuming 🤣

I forgot how expensive belly dancing can be- the hair, the makeup, the nails, the props, the accessories, the costume. Stressful memories of one of my first belly dance teachers ran through my mind. Do I really think I’m good enough to compete after all these years?

I thought of every reason NOT to sign up. So I asked myself, why should I sign up for this competition?

Because I want to.

That was my immediate answer. Because I love to dance and everyone who wants to perform should get to perform. It’s about love of dance, sharing my passion and enthusiasm, and being entertaining.

I can do that. I can have fun onstage.

Because if I don’t do it now, when will I? If I put it off, I’ll keep coming up with reasons to put it off In the future. But if I commit myself now, I’m setting myself up for success and improvement.

Because what’s the worst that can happen?

If I forget my choreography, I can improv. If I get discouraging feedback, I can use it improve. There literally is no reason not to do it.

It’s like that quote, if you wait until you’re 100% ready, you’ll never get started.

So, here I am, taking my first steps to performing again. It’s thrilling and nerve wrecking at the same time. And that’s how I know I’m following my passion!

Here’s my call to action for you: what goal or hobby are you putting off? What small step can you take now? If that feels too big, break it down to something even smaller.

Now sign up for my virtual belly dance classes this month. Your first class is free! (hey, I have to pay off this costume somehow!) and then go do that thing. That’s what life is really about anyway.