Embracing Joy and Self-Recognition

Losing Sight of Joy

Recently, I noticed myself struggling to hold onto the joy that dance has always brought me. Instead of celebrating the gift of movement, I found myself slipping into criticism — questioning my abilities, asking why I continued to dance at all.

Deep down, I knew the truth: dance fills me with profound joy, connection, and healing. But still, my mind wandered down the familiar path of negativity.

A Moment of Realization

One day, while watching old videos of myself dancing, a thought crossed my mind: “I used to be good… but why couldn’t I see it then?”

In that moment, it hit me. I wasn’t just blind to my gifts back then — I was doing the same thing now. I couldn’t see the beauty of what I had to offer, and in doing so, I was robbing myself of happiness in the present moment.

Choosing a New Way Forward

That realization changed me. From then on, I made a daily commitment to:

• Acknowledge my gifts instead of downplaying them

• Replace old belief patterns rooted in childhood self-doubt with new, life-giving ones

• Live joyfully every day, no matter the circumstances

• 
  

At first, this practice felt intentional and even a little uncomfortable. But with time, choosing joy became natural — it became my new way of living.

What It Really Means to Recognize Our Beauty

Recognizing our beauty and gifts doesn’t mean we lose humility. It doesn’t mean we stop striving, learning, or growing. Instead, it means:

• We live from a place of gratitude instead of criticism

• We give ourselves permission to feel joy in the present moment

• We share our light more freely with our loved ones and communities

  
  

When we honor our worth, we not only lift ourselves up — we also uplift everyone around us.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the same cycle of criticism, know this: you are not alone. Many of us carry old stories that make it difficult to see our beauty in the present moment.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned — and am still learning:

• Recognizing our beauty is a gift. 

• Choosing joy is a daily practice. 

• And you are truly beautiful, inside and out.

Let’s remember together to celebrate our gifts, embrace joy, and live from a place of recognition rather than doubt. Sometimes the smallest shift — a kind word to yourself, a pause to breathe, a moment of gratitude — can change everything.

Play Passionately, Shalay