Dr. Seuss, Health, Love, and Zumba! How Can it Be So?

Shannon Nolan


It has been a good while since I've blogged and I missed this chance to reflect and share with you! I'm planning a leadership retreat for college students at the moment and was inspired by, of all people, San Diego's very own Dr. Seuss' "Oh The Places You'll Go". I love this passage:

"You'll get mixed up, of course,

As you already know.

You'll get mixed up

With many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

And remember that Life's

A Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right food with you left."

I'm my own strange bird in this case. J For so long I've felt tangled in my negative limiting thoughts and subsequent actions. I finally feel free because I have focused on just one step at a time. I have found the joy in working out and eating well - hey -what's that? I like taking care of myself!? WOW! It's not to say that I don't enjoy the occasional libations and treats, I just do not feel "filled up" by them as much, and therefore, I do not participate as much in them. Instead, I'm enjoying hanging out with new people, doing healthy things: hiking, beach swims, and just hanging out. I have never felt so connected to myself. I know that sounds absolutely conceded, but I can really HEAR myself giving --- myself - positive reinforcement and encouragement. It's bizarre, in a good way.

I have never considered myself a good dancer, in fact, I think I pretty much stink BUT I did not let that stop me from trying a Zumba class at my gym. I LOVED IT! I've survived two classes now and this week my instructor said that I'm "really good" and that I have "Zumba in my bones". LOL I laughed out loud both with astonishment and pure joy because that is not something I would have ever said or thought about myself. This Zumba experience is another example of how I am reframing how I think and feel about myself. I want to say "Thank You!" to the Universe, for the chance to enjoy life and love myself as the person that I am while freeing me from the limited ideas of what I am. A very cool song that has helped me process this is Christina Perri's song, A Thousand Years. Ignore the video, just close your eyes and listen. I hope that it speaks to you like it did me. We stretch to this song after Zumba and I cry every time. I picture my highest self singing this to my present self. God is good! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00

My intent is to keep breathing, taking life slowly, enjoying the moment, and working with the Universe to do what is highest and best for me every moment of the day. Releasing expectations has allowed me to be absolutely ecstatic with outcomes, instead of disappointed. I've never felt this free in my life. Thank you Golden Door for being the constant safe, loving place to nurture my soul. Cindi, Ellen, Patrick, Judy and everyone who embraces me there, I just cannot thank you enough for the peace that you have helped bring into my life!