Week 33 - Finding JOY!

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

Week 33 - Finding JOY!

You can read AND see pictures my blog - barbarafaison.com/blog

All the links are here - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

What is joy? According to the dictionary, it’s a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. When was the last time you felt that feeling? I mean PURE JOY?

On Friday night, my friend, Bonnie and I went out salsa dancing. On the way to the club, The Sanctuary, Bonnie and I tried to remember the last time we were “really” out dancing. We knew it was before “RONA” AKA, Covid 19, and we were pretty sure it was in 2019. Well thanks to Facebook I was able to take it back to Bonnie’s birthday in April 2019. Had it really been four years? Oh my!

If you are new or want to know more about my salsa journey and these awesome friends, check out Week 26 - Music and Lasting Friendships.

Over 11 years ago I discovered I had osteoarthritis in my right hip and right knee, so my dancing has been a bit limited for the past few years. Physical therapy last year helped a lot even though I have pain most days. I decided I would dance and listen to my body and I’m so glad I did. I put on my dance shoes, thank goodness I could still wear them, and hit the floor.

We weren’t sure how many people we would know at the club, since we had been missing in action for so long. You know, what, we didn’t care. We have learned that no matter what, we are GOING to have a good time. And we had a blast! Back in the day, we used to be at that club most Friday nights and other places during the week. Bonnie and I laughed and reminisced about our memories of dancing for over 20 years in the car on the way.

When we arrived we found out that DJ Tito was the DJ. He used to be one of the main DJ’s when we went out regularly. We knew the salsa music would be on fire, so we were ready for a great time. People came that we didn't know would be there, so it was like a salsa family reunion.

Watching Bonnie, Terri, Jamie, Adiascar, Anana, Jazzie, Mark, Icesis and others I felt my heart swelling with pleasure and happiness! Oh, yeah, that’s the definition of JOY. Dancing to the music and watching my friends and others enjoying themselves was PURE JOY!

Were there moves I just can’t do anymore, absolutely? Can I dance as long as I used to? Nope! I still felt the joy of dancing with partners who allowed the music to lead them. Bonnie and I left around 1 AM, wearing our salsa glow. If you want to see some of my salsa crew dancing, check out the short on my YouTube channel. And if you haven't subscribed, I love for you to support me there.

Keep reading at barbarafaison.com/blog.

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