There was no music. Only drummers. About 15 of them. The dance studio was filled with about 40 dancers or all ages. I sat in my chair and I started drumming. And I started Dancing in my chair while I was drumming. And the tears of joy overcame me because I was dancing. I knew I would. There was never any doubt I would. It looked a little different from Salsa, but every molecule of my being rejoiced, celebrated, sang, and cried out in joy as I pounded my drum, and danced my dance in the chair.
Please click the link above and read Ivan's story. He is a Crohn's sufferer who is struggling to get to a place where he can go back to something he loves very much - Salsa dancing. His story outlines his journey towards self-acceptance of his weight, his odyssey through multiple surgeries, lung problems, and more.
This is a very heart warming story and also really a bit sad. When you have a chronic illness to deal with its disheartening to also be worrying about extra pounds. The way I look at it is that is the LEAST of my problems. As long as my husband loves me the way I am, I am fine.
I am a firm believer in self acceptance, and the fat acceptance movement. Too many people are very prejudiced against the overweight and that's just not cool. Our society is so judgmental. Just look at all the beautiful people killing themselves with anorexia, bulimia, amphetamine abuse and more. And all the little girls (and boys) who look at pictures of movie stars that have had so much airbrushing done that you can't get a real picture of their actual size and flaws.
Humans are imperfect creatures. But we were made this way and we are this way - and no amount of plastic surgery, dieting, exercise, hair straighteners, or makeup, is going to make us perfect people. Look in the mirror and say "I love you." You are the only you you have. Might as well make the best of it.
