My husband and I submitted the retirement application in June 2022, and we had so many plans to enjoy life and do what we loved—traveling, gardening, writing, visiting friends, family, and grandkids, and cooking.
However, in November of 2022, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and all our plans were put on hold. The focus was on getting my life back. At first, I was in shock, I was not scared, I was puzzled. Why? I didn’t panic! I just followed what my doctors were telling me to do. And it happened very quickly. I went through 6 sessions of chemo – 3 before the surgery and 3 after it. During that time, I started reading books on how to fight and beat cancer. I meditated, continued long walks, and stayed positive and active during that time! The treatments were brutal!
In December of 2022, I saw the announcement on FB about the 30-day Body Groove challenge and realized that that was exactly what I needed for my spirit, sanity, and body! I joined the World Grove Movement and started groove dancing right away!
GROOVE DANCING Every Day
Ever since I have been grooving every day! Sometimes a couple of times a day! I enjoy every minute of it! And as friends came to visit me, I turned them all into grooving! After I invited them to Groove dance with me, I realized another powerful aspect of grooving! It is contagious! My friends, former students, my husband’s former students, and my grandchildren – all enjoyed groove dancing with me. After surgery, I was not allowed to do twisting and turning for about 8 weeks. But I couldn’t stop. I grooved anyway! I found gently groove dances and was very careful about my movements, sharing my joy of dancing broadly. I know that this has also inspired new grooves.
I appreciate the positive affirmation built into grooving tracks, and it is organically reinforced by the beautiful and encouraging words of the facilitators! It is very inspiring, motivating, and nourishing. Given my experience, I have come to see grooving as important to EVERYBODY. But it has a very special role for people with chronic diseases or movement limitations to lift their spirits, to encourage them to reevaluate their self-worth, and to help them see their uniqueness and beauty the way they are! I am a positive person, to begin with, but Groove Dancing has helped me enjoy this period of healing that most people dread.