Some of you may know me as the Owner of Positive Energy Dance Fitness for Women from over three years ago. I led many classes: Sensual Pole Dance, Dance Fit Diva, Belly Dance Fusion, Crazy Sexy Cool, Flirty Girl Booty Beat, and IntenSati. It was a lot of fun being a leader in the fitness industry.
I’ve been avoiding all cardio type classes in fear of whether I could do it. I’m not referring to the cardio part of it, but could I follow the foot work. Will I have the coordination? The left side of my body does not operate as smoothly as the right side of my body. Was I going to trip over my own feet? Was I going to fall? Was I going to run out of the class in frustration? Could I keep up with the instructor? Should I stand in the back?
I’ve been feeling some frustration with yoga balancing poses lately. Can I really balance when half my body is shaking? In this frustration, I’ve realized my body wants to dance. I desire to explore this form of movement now. I’m not abandoning my yoga. I’m just diversifying. I desire to explore different dance forms.
I attended a Jazzercise class on Thursday morning. I walked in with all my fears. You know what happened? My left shoulder was difficult to move with the beat of the music. I was behind and not with the tempo. My left arm was not swaying like my right. My left arm movement was smaller than the movement of my right arm. I was doing OK, hanging in there, but not as good as I would’ve done a year ago (pre-Parkinson’s).
I was getting frustrated and a little angry with this restricted, smaller movement of my body, until I realized something HUGE! I realized I walked in to class as a Parkinson’s patient unsure if I can keep up, so that’s the experience I created. Once I realized that, I changed my thinking to being ME, JONI, someone who loves to dance and move. I connected with the music, enjoyed the movement, and reached a little further with my left arm. This was a whole lot more pleasurable.
I even went back the next day for more.
My thoughts are powerful, just like yours. I’m grateful – I felt the fear and did it anyway.
Joni you truly are an inspiration to me. I know We never see each other, a few times over the years, but I read all that you post. You encourage me to be a better stronger happier me!
Thank you for sharing your life story… all my love
Joni,
Took and loved a bellydance class with you–and the night you gave us a pole-dancing lesson at the Curves’ Christmas party lives on in my memory as a truly fun and spectacular evening!
I am so proud of you. You have been strong and inspiring in your work as a dance/fitness instructor and you are even more so now. Sending you much love and light.
~Maia
Thank you for sharing Maia. I remember that night. Woo Hoo!!
Your words gave me goose bumps.
I am grateful.
Dearest Christine.
Thank you for your kindness. It encourages me to continue sharing my journey.
all my love
Stay focused, positive and keep fighting! You’ve got this…..
Go Joni! Rock on to the rhythm and your body will follow. I know you know it’s how you feel in the flow, not how you look or if are achieving symmetry in every move. It’s great to hear you recognizing and doing what you love…it makes the love shine through you.
Thank you sweet Sheila. Yeah, you’re right – I’ve got this!
Hi Diane. Thank you for your sweet kindness. I’m in the flow baby! Lovin’ it.