The Dance of Motherhood

June 16, 2016

Dance by definition is both a noun and a verb. Dance as a noun typically means a gathering of people joined by a common theme to partake in the verb of dance. Dance as a verb means to move one’s feet or body in either a choreographed or freeform way. Music is optional but most often present in both definitions of the word.

Dance: sometimes intimidating but often rewarding and in my mind, really fun.

Growing up, I took ballet, tap and jazz classes. I learned a lot and met tons of interesting and fun people. I grew in ways I never really thought about, especially in ways you never think about as a kid or teenager, like responsibility, the power of practice, dedication and commitment. As years moved on, I traded class and choreography for parties and disarrangement. Now, days are filled with slightly different views but a very familiar feel …  it’s a new type of dance … my dance in motherhood.

There are days when I don’t know what I’m doing. I struggle and can’t catch the rhythm. I feel insecure, just like the first time I put on those new dance shoes. I look at some moms that make the dance look so easy. And I wonder why am I struggling with the steps that I so oftened dreamed would come to me naturally.

But there is a silver-lining. As I look back at what I created, at what we created, I’m reminded that my dance isn’t over. It will never be over. I will continue to have struggles. I will hesitate, stumble and make mistakes, but I will also be able to rejoice in exceptional “good enough” moments. I will, at times, celebrate great orchestrated feats.

I must remember that I have a lot if greatness to look forward to and the past steps are not a summation of my dance of motherhood.

Thank you for the inspiration, Sara.

By Ann

5 Comments

  1. Reply

    Sara | mumturnedmom

    I love this! What a wonderful way to look at motherhood, because yes, I often feel out of step/time with what’s going on around me, but it doesn’t stop me from enjoying it. Rejoicing in the good enough moments is so important. Thank you so much for sharing with #ThePrompt, wonderful to have you 🙂

    1. Reply

      Ann Ehnert

      So glad you enjoyed it, Sara. I’m very thankful for your prompt and allowing me to think about this a bit more.

  2. Reply

    Louise

    I like your analogies. I also feel that there are many times I cannot catch the rhythm but joining in the dance is what’s important.

    1. Reply

      Ann Ehnert

      So agree with you, Louise. Joining in can be tough but let’s just do it together!

  3. Reply

    Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom

    There is a dance to motherhood. I wrote a post last year about how that dance changes too. We started with the Chicken Dance (seriously… you’re entrusting me to take this baby home from the hospital? I know nothing about babies)! To the robot (routines and schedules of preschool / kindergarten kids, to the beautiful waltz of your adult children out of house and home! lol

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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