There Are No Mistakes in Dance Class, Only Solos!

Life Coaching Tip: It’s in life’s “solos” where authenticity thrives and beauty shines. Let this real life story of Nancy, a trailblazing entrepreneur, inspire you. Dancing freely and imperfectly is your birthright, mama! You aren’t here to fit in. You were meant for a solo. You were born to shine!

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This story is one that my client, Nancy, a trailblazing entrepreneur and total badass, shared during our last Shine On meeting.

This round of Shine On, my signature group + coaching program, ended for the season last week, and this was Nancy’s first full year in the program. Her story during Wednesday evening’s meeting was truly inspiring to me and her “shine sisters,” and it deeply touched our hearts.

I wanted to share Nancy’s story with you today because it’s about the exact conversation I’ve been having with you in these weekly messages. . . . A combination of BOTH self-worth and self-confidence is required to live wholeheartedly—with self-worth being the foundation to which self-confidence can be built.

With Nancy’s permission, here’s her story:

One of Nancy’s goals for the Shine On program year was to get herself out of the house more to practice talking about her business, network, socialize, and have fun.  As a busy entrepreneur, she had been self-isolating—nose always to the grindstone.

But that’s no longer the case.

Nancy was tearful as she spoke about this in our group meeting. The progress she’s made in this area has been mind-blowing.

As her sense of self-worth and self-confidence have grown, Nancy has become so comfortable telling people about her business that it’s become effortless for her. She loves what she does and believes in her value, and so she’s now excited to share the news with anyone who is interested in learning more.

And she’s been going out every weekend and having fun, rather than hustling 24/7.

Nancy even treated her teenage son to a month-long travel adventure to Australia—this from a woman who never before thought she’d see an ocean, let alone cross one!

Isn’t that incredible?

But as we were doing our last goal review for the year, Nancy realized that she had not tackled one goal that she’d set for herself early on: to take a hip-hop dance class.

And so, that’s exactly what she did.

Nancy held herself accountable to her desire, and she signed up for a local hip-hop class.

After that first class, this is what Nancy posted in our group’s private online community:

I don’t bounce right.
The next oldest person in class is 11.
And it is open windows to the class.
The other moms were plastered to the window watching. The kids in class cheered me on and gave me so much love and encouragement.
I was sooo self-conscious.
A couple times – a bunch of times – I gave up because I felt so exposed.
I may as well have been naked. I almost cried.
It hit every insecurity, every self-doubt, every mean thing I ever said to myself.
And ya wanna know something?
This is the very reason I will go back.
I’m not taking dance lessons. I am taking confidence lessons.
I am on my way home to practice in a mirror.
 
Damn, reading this again still moves me to tears!
 
Nancy’s audacity to be her authentic self inspires me to my core.
 
And I know, it’s the effort she’s courageously put into expanding her sense of self-worth and strengthening her foundation that’s now allowing her to be vulnerable and grow her confidence in such a bold way.
 
Before Shine On, Nancy was producing and grinding, trying to build self-confidence by hustling.
 
But self-confidence without self-worth doesn’t work. BOTH together are necessary to create a joyous, fulfilling life.
 
Self-worth is the intrinsic belief that you are enough and worthy of love and belonging, just as you are—regardless of how you perform and independent of what’s happening around you.

Self-worth is based on identity, and it’s stable throughout every circumstance.

Self-worth is essential because it gives you peace.

This is now where Nancy is at, and she’s stretching and expanding. This is what it’s all about.

And, this is at the heart of the work I do with my clients because I know the solution for them to find meaning and satisfaction must come from within.

There must be an internal shift at the soul level, not dependent on circumstances, which fosters feelings of empowerment, fulfillment, connection, and a deep sense of self-love.

I see nothing more important than helping women authentically show up in the world, take up the space, and brightly shine in all their brilliance!
 
Just prior to hearing Nancy’s story, I “coincidentally” found this quote. (Note: I don’t believe in coincidence, so it’s surely a wink from the Universe!):
 
“There are no mistakes in dance class, only solos!” –Anonymous
 
It’s in the solo where authenticity thrives and beauty shines!
 
Let Nancy’s story inspire you, too.
 
Dance freely and imperfectly, mama!
 
It’s your birthright.
 
You were meant for a solo.

You were born to shine!
 
xo Tracy

PS  – If this speaks to you, then know, you deserve this, too!

The next Shine On Group + Coaching Program begins November 6 and 7, and you belong in the room! Learn how to join the waiting list here:  https://movingforwardcoaching.com/moving-forward-shine-on-group-coaching-program/