In Others' Word: Dance

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another." ~Author Unknown

So this has been a week of dance rehearsals for my 10-year-old daughter. Tonight is the big night: the long awaited performance! Most of the family will be in the audience, ready to applaud and cheer as if Christa's the only one on stage. I'll be backstage, ready to help with costume changes and re-applying makeup.

Christa's been dancing for four or five years now. (I really need to figure out how long it's been.) This year she's so relaxed on stage. She's having fun--looking more and more like a "real" dancer. It's no longer about "Am I doing the steps right?" and all about "I love doing this!" Dancing has moved from her feet to her heart.

That's a lesson all of us can learn, whether or not we're dancers. Looking for me? You'll never find me up on stage twirling, tapping or leaping. Best place to find me: in my office, writing or editing.As a beginning writer, I focused on following the rules--getting it right. But now it's more about loving what I'm doing--and yes, still getting it right. But my passion is woven through all my efforts: writing, rewriting, editing. Even after the most challenging days, I wake up ready to write.

In Your Words: Where's your focus when you dance or write or do whatever you're passionate about? Are you thinking about the rules? Or are you listening to your heart?