Introduction:
Greetings, fellow travelers on the winding road of life! Whether you’re a seasoned warrior battling your own inner demons or a seeker of solace and understanding, you’ve stumbled upon a sanctuary where honesty, humor, and healing unite.
As a therapist and a wounded warrior myself, I’ve traversed the depths of pain and scaled the heights of resilience. Armed with a potent blend of direct honesty and irrepressible humor, I’ve made it my mission to spread the message of living a life that’s not just surviving but thriving—a life that’s whole, courageous, and bursting with purpose.
In this space, we’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where the wounds of the past are not shackles but stepping stones to growth. I firmly believe in the inherent capacity of every soul to heal and rise above adversity, and I’m here to guide you on that transformative journey.
Drawing upon my experiences as both a therapist and a wounded warrior, I’ll share my story with raw authenticity, humor, spirituality, and boundless creativity. Together, we’ll explore the intricacies of the human psyche, unravel the mysteries of resilience, and celebrate the triumphs of the human spirit.
So, whether you’re seeking solace, enlightenment, or simply a good laugh amidst life’s tumultuous journey, you’ve found a kindred spirit. Join me as we navigate the twists and turns of existence with courage, compassion, and sometimes a hearty dose of humor.
Life is a dance:
Life will provide growth areas if we are open to receiving and willing to allow. My journey into West Coast Swing (WCS) intertwines the artistry of dance with profound personal growth. WCS transcends mere steps; it embodies a dialogue where partners co-create, exchange roles, and find harmony, much like a conversation where both voices matter. A childhood where healthy communication was modeled and taught would make this “dialogue” effortless.
WCS became a mirror, reflecting my movements and innermost fears and insecurities. At the start of this hobby, I was unaware that dance would be a metaphor for life and that if I paid attention, there would be layers of self-awareness and growth.
The fear of being seen is a universal struggle and a deeply ingrained pattern of being for me. Initially, it was my lack of gracefulness that stood out to me. Connecting with my body and body-confidence became a struggle, and I developed a curiosity. Uncovering the root of this, I discovered how the fear of being seen causes inhibitions on the dance floor. It became clear that slowing down and being intentional would draw attention to me, causing discomfort. It was time to embrace getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. This also caused me to examine other areas in life that I have been playing small. Playing small does not serve the world. Living to my fullest potential gives others permission to allow themselves to shine.
I also became aware of the parallel between my dance and relational dynamics, which gave me profound insights into assertiveness, autonomy, and self-expression. My instructor consistently reminded me to own my space and honor my desires. There were countless moments when the instructor reminded me to stop being overly accommodating to the leader and keep my boundaries. I was often struck with the powerful reminder to assert my presence on and off the dance floor. I recall allowing others to ignore my boundaries, not asking for what I needed, and accommodating others by not using my voice. Embracing assertiveness and reclaiming agency on “the track” has been a broader journey of empowerment and self-discovery beyond the dance.
The challenge is to use what I learn from dance in life. It’s a call to step up and expect more from myself and others. WCS has been a powerful journey of self-discovery and a catalyst for personal evolution. It’s a compelling reminder that within the rhythm of each step lies an opportunity for growth, healing, and self-reclamation. Now, I get the chance to dance like everyone is watching.