I am riding front and center on the hot mess express and have no right to be giving life advice to anyone, but I am here to tell you that you should always say YES to new adventures!!!!
As you may know, I am the Vice President of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce in New Hampshire. One of our biggest fundraisers of the year is Dancing with the Newport Stars. In town, we have “The Newport Ballroom” where you can take dance lessons from a married couple who have danced all over the world!
There are “pros,” who have been taking lessons at the ballroom for years and each year they are paired with “stars,” who are people that work or live in the community. This year I was honored to be part of the cast!!!!!
This has been a long and crazy week! We had dress rehearsal Thursday night, and the show Friday and Saturday night. All I can say is WHAT A RUSH!!!!😄
I have always had a passion for dancing, but I’ve never danced with a partner. When my “pro” and I started practicing I the beginning of November, we quickly realized that my personal space bubble was quite large. I am the person who automatically backs away when people stand too close to me. I am most comfortable when people are an arm’s length away from me. It’s strange, I am completely comfortable with my tight knit family and loves ones being in my bubble, but everyone else better not try to pop it!
Needless to say, the personal space issue was by far my biggest challenge. There were other challenges such as being graceful and allowing my partner to lead….I guess you can say I think to be in control!😜 I was pushed SO far out of my comfort zone when the first practice came along and the instructor told me to put my leg in between my partner’s legs.
As much as I was extremely uncomfortable at times, it was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced!!! I was able to get out of my comfort zone, allow someone I wasn’t close with get right up into my personal space and I have made lifelong friendships with my dance partner and his wife. I feel like they are like family to me…I’m SO lucky to have them in my life!
This past weekend was the final performance of the Dancing with the Newport Stars. On Friday night, we came in third place. On Saturday night, we came in first place! My oldest son Levi was thrilled that I got a big trophy!
As for me, I had already won before we even performed!! I was able to get 19 poster sponsors for $100 each to go towards the Chamber. I honestly couldn’t believe how many people wanted to support me. I learned new things about myself and let my guard down. I made lifelong friends and did good for the community. I was reminded of how many people love and support me in this life. It’s nice to have people cheering for you!
Anyway, the moral of the story is, just say YES to new adventures!! They may seem uncomfortable or scary and that is completely normal, but in the end, you’ll be SO proud of yourself and so happy that you did it! It is true, the magic does happen outside of your comfort zone! What an awesome weekend and amazing experience! I feel so honored that I was chosen to be a part of the 2019 Dancing with the Newport Stars! This weekend will definitely go down in history as one of the best!
Xoxo,
Shannon
I'm Feelin’ PHAT! 