Finding My Badass Self

If we want to change our lives, we have to get past what is holding us back.

I didn’t believe my singing skills that day proved at the far end of abysmal, but I had a hunch I didn’t display great promise either.

If I was completely honest though, any humor or courage I tried to embrace while facing this item on my list masked my true apprehension.

Clearly, the concept of respect wasn’t something only earned; it was also learned.

But this was real life, not fiction. What lie ahead that night was a serious and potentially dangerous reality, not an adventure scene within a romantic comedy. I dismissed my daydreaming so I could focus on the plan at hand

Over that half hour on a summer afternoon, I offered Linda a willing ear, a warm meal, and a five-dollar bill. In return, she opened my mind to the struggles of people around me. She gave me a lifetime of angles and attitudes to consider.

And if I were looking for a long-term romance, why would I pretend to be someone I wasn’t or settle for less than what I wanted?

It’s difficult to notice, let alone evaluate, changes in our own character or personality. But alterations in our appearance jump out at us every time we simply look in a mirror—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The waxing of my nether regions, along with my legs, could take this year’s goal of going outside my comfort zone to an entirely new level in more ways than one.

Adrenaline, especially when it’s fear-induced, is mighty effective all on its own.

As the first moments passed, my skeptical side was certain I was simply primed for a nice afternoon nap.

It seemed to me that spirituality should not center on a full alignment of formal religious beliefs or be judged by our church attendance: It should be based on how we live our life.

If there was one thing I had learned, it was that when serendipity comes calling, you better open the damn door.

It was impossible to focus on or find enlightenment in something I couldn’t begin to comprehend.

That proved important because, just like my other church experiences, my goal was seeking information, introspection, and also a sense of community. In order to truly feel a part of their celebration, I had to feel I was fully accepted. And here, I did

And, I found this final suggestion particularly helpful: “When you begin to feel slightly full: stand up and wiggle your hips from side to side for five to ten seconds. This makes the food go down your esophagus faster and squashes it up in your stomach.”

And I’d learned that sometimes it was OK to take a detour from your ultimate destination, as long as you felt confident and strong enough to get back on course.

My sentiments, however, quickly changed gears.

Together, we jumped the curb, taking a detour from the safe and secure cul-de-sac of our lives, to visit personally unexplored territories.

She tossed out a trickle of encouraging remarks: “Age, shape, and size don’t matter here. Belly dancing is for women who want to celebrate life.”