Let's break it down.
Happy-
adjective
1. Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
2. Fortunate and content.
New Year
1. New Year is the time at which a new calendar year begins and the calendar's year count increments by one.
I have had a great first 9 days of the New Year. I have been happy (almost every day) and have been trying to find the good in each day, even if something puts me in a crabby mood.
Today was an exceptionally good Monday.
This morning started with an email from Bikini Diaries.
Let's back this story up a little bit. Last January I went on the ZUMBA Cruise. While on the January cruise they had a chance for anyone who wanted to, to meet with a film crew and share a little about how zumba changed their life. So I did. A few months later the interviewer sent me an email saying that they were working with Bikini.com on a series called Bikini Diaries. At that time they had recently interviewed Sports Illustrated Swim Model Mia Kang about her experience with bullying, (see her story here) and they wanted to know if I would be willing to work with them and share my Zumba story. I of course said yes. I recorded my story in June and sent it off. About a month later they sent me an email saying that the video was dark, and wanted to know if I would rerecord. So I did. The last email I received was in October saying they were in the process of editing it. I was just thinking the other day that I hadn't herd back from them. When I opened my email this morning, I saw this email:
Hey Megan!
We're moving forward. Have you seen the video? I can't remember - I think so.
Our contacts at Zumba actually loved the video so much that they've asked us to further develop the story - I hope you're up for it! To that end - just a short interview by email. Could you take a few minutes and respond when you get a chance? By the end of the week would be fine - we're looking to post this next Wednesday!
I know you've gotten into some of this in the video - the idea is that people could read either the piece or watch the video, so don't worry about being repetitive.
NO! I haven't seen the video. I can't wait to see it! I answered the questions that were sent and have been eagerly awaiting a response.
Mean while, Friday Ed Sheeran released two new songs. One of which I really like the beat to and was able to choreograph for my class already. Although the message is a little "naughty" the title of the song, Shape of You, caught my attention. I'm in love with the shape of you...I'm in love with your body.
I was practicing today in front of the mirror before class and I smiled. It's been a long time since I have looked in the mirror and smiled. I have put weight back on and haven't loved my body lately. But today I stood in front of the mirror. I could see a role or two but I was totally ok with it. You see, I've done it before, and for some reason, I am ready to do it again. I hope I can keep this motivation going.
Sneak peek at one of the questions she sent...
Did you struggle in that effort to become an instructor? Were you ever, like - forget this, it's just too hard! If so - how did you get past it?
Yes! When you are the instructor, it's game on all the time. You have to be there. You have to show up. You have to have the songs ready to go and you have to give it your best 110% of the time.
I have those moments all the time where I am like. Argh, I don't want to do this. I don't want to go to class. I work a full time 40 hour a week job and then a part time job in addition to teaching 7-11 classes a week (depending on the week). When you need to learn new choreography for each class (specialty- Zumba, Zumba toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumba God, Zumba Kids...)
How do I get past it? I show up to class! I put my sneakers on. Put my hair up in a pony tail, I get my ipod ready. I get to the correct playlist. I talk to the students as they come in the door. We gripe about our workday, share excitement, sadness and everything in between, because really we aren't just instructor and student, we are family. I look at their faces, those friends who might be feeling the same way I am, and they still showed up, and they're not the instructor, they didn't have to. The music starts and its game time and there is no place I would rather be at that moment and the hour goes by so quickly. Zumba is the always the answer for me.
When I need inspiration I watch Videos, attend a class, take a JAM or a BOOST class.
Then I have those moments where I am like. WOW. I'm the instructor! Wow! These people are here to take a class with me. They choose to be here with me in this moment in time and continue to come back.
Then there's the pride in the fact that I am stubborn and don't want to give up. I know where I was and I know that if I wasn't the instructor I wouldn't be working out as much as I am. I am not a quitter. So even though I have put some weight back on over the last year, I am determined to get it off again!
