Ballet is such a beautiful art form, and frequently while waiting for Addison to finish her lessons my mind wanders back to my days of dancing at the studio in Georgetown with the picture window. The one where I would get distracted in the winter as I watched the snow flakes fall and get reprimanded by the mean lady in the black leotard with the tight bun. Remembering vividly those Saturdays when my father would take me and my bun would be a mess, but I would be there working on my perfect form and feeling a little defeated at times when I couldn’t make my body do what the other girls could.
Fast forward some ohhhhhhhhh, let’s say 28 years….
Every lesson, as tired as I am, I watch the screen intently to see if I can pick up on some of Addison’s frustrations and triumphs so that when her lesson is done I can compliment her on how well she did on her arabesque or mention she needs to point her toe a little more on her tendue. Even in my praise and honest loving critique there are days when she is sad that she couldn’t make her body do what the other girls could.
As I continue to learn as a parent and enter this realm that is composed of more than wiping noses and butts, the stage that comes with really instilling life values into my children I will admit I am a little overwhelmed and have been doing a whole lot of over thinking. As I read about the struggles that children are facing today, I can’t help but think that somehow if I take that extra minute to say, “While you can’t do that arabesque perfect today, if you keep practicing you will get better,” she will remember and hear my voice in times when I’m not around and remind herself that perfection is not the point in life, effort is, and she will love herself through those times and keep pushing.
Every lesson, I see her trying a little harder. Leaping a little higher, being a little more graceful. Every lesson, I tell her what a great dancer she is and how I saw that one move and she smiles. She knows I’m watching and encouraging her to be great. Sometimes I don’t think she gets it, but the other day we were in Target and she mentioned that she loved SOMETHING more than anything else. I replied, “Even yourself?” she says yes. I stop her there and say you don’t love anything or anybody more than you love yourself and God. She nods and says like in ballet when I ‘m not supposed to pay attention to what the other girls are doing and love myself even when I don’t feel like I’m doing it right?” I say yes, you focus on loving and being the best you that you can be. Things and people shouldn’t be your priority.
The next day out of nowhere she says I love my family 1,000 but I love myself and God 1,001. I think she’s getting it!
16 Comments
Law_Fal
September 28, 2015 at 11:16 amLord this post warmed my heart. Now I want a little ballerina!
krissy
September 28, 2015 at 11:36 amThis was great. I have the same concerns with dance and Jas. I just want her to love and be proud of what she’s doing. I just told her recently if dance isn’t fun for her anymore she doesn’t have to do it. I always want it to be something she enjoys at this age and not something that stresses her out.
K. Elizabeth (YUMMommy)
September 28, 2015 at 8:43 pmWe have to teach our children early about the importance of self-love and not placing more value on things or other people than they have in themselves and God. Sounds like Addison is definitely soaking up the message.
Shannon
September 28, 2015 at 9:19 pmThat’s such a great lesson to teach, especially when our children are young. She will remember the things you tell her and she most definitely will apply them to her life.
She’s absolutely adorable!
Mimi
October 1, 2015 at 1:59 pmThank you! I’m sure you can relate as a mother that we all hope they will listen and apply the things we teach them.
Candace
September 28, 2015 at 9:23 pmThat is perfect and right at the time that their little minds are like sponges! These pics warmed my heart, classics to look back and oooh and ahhhh over for years to come. Good Job Mommy!
Mimi
October 1, 2015 at 2:00 pmYou are absolutely right. I can vividly remember things from Addison’s age so now is the time to really make it count, and start her off right with the right kind of thinking especially about herself.
Carissa
September 28, 2015 at 9:40 pmI love everything about this post!!!
Mimi
October 1, 2015 at 2:02 pmThanks boo!
Danielle
September 29, 2015 at 12:15 pmLoved the post keep encouraging her and teaching her self love. My little one swims and takes Karate I alway remind her of these lessons as well as not giving up no matter how hard it is .
Mimi
October 1, 2015 at 3:11 pmSo important to teach those lessons early while they are so impressionable.
Tia
October 1, 2015 at 10:12 amThese photos are beautiful and I love the story that went along with it. She’ll hear your voice even when you’re not there. Great job Mom!
Mimi
October 1, 2015 at 3:13 pmI sure hope so, and that it scares into doing right.
Britney
October 6, 2015 at 8:42 pmAwww, I love this!!! 🙂 The photos go perfectly with the message. Your daughter is beautiful.
Carla
October 7, 2015 at 3:00 pmEverything about this post was absolutely beautiful!
And I’m sure she will always hear Mama which is why what we say and how we say it to our children is so important.
Jessica
November 2, 2015 at 8:17 amThis and the pictures you’ve shared are beautiful.