Hello, my beautiful readers! I felt as if it’s been a while since my last post, so I thought I’d give a little update about what’s been going on in my life these days. As you may know, I am finally on my very last summer break from nursing school, and currently babysitting my cousin on weekdays from about 8am to 7pm. Lately I have gotten a lot of cleaning and organizing done around the house, and I am back on track with my health and fitness, which is a lot easier when I’m not always so busy studying! Speaking of studying, I was quite pleased with my grades last semester, and hope to keep reviewing over the summer so I don’t forget everything I’ve learned!
I’ve also finally been able to have the time to do a lot more praying and writing in my journal, have fun relaxing on my own or with family and friends, and even do some national traveling this summer; I plan on visiting Dallas, Miami, Chicago, and Asheville! Perhaps most importantly, I have been getting better and better at thinking positively and being present in each moment, and I can’t even express just how satisfying that is (why are people always waiting for Friday when happiness lies within ourselves at any given moment??) On top of all of these things, I have even had the time to take up a new hobby–this is why I can never comprehend people who complain of being bored–so keep reading if you’d like to hear more about that!
Anyone who knows me knows about my interest in all things music–not just listening to music or finding new songs, but a lifetime of participating in activities such as choir, band, becoming a music minor and DJ, working at a performance arts center, and dancing (although, unfortunately, I do not admit to actually being talented at any of said activities). I also enjoy doing yoga workouts, watching gymnastics performances, and trying new things. That being said, I have discovered a new art form I would like to try which combines all of these things and so much more: Hula hoop dancing.
When I first heard of the concept, I didn’t even understand that point of it…but after just a little bit of research online followed by pulling out my old hoop to see if I still remembered how to even use it, I was almost immediately hooked. Hoop dancing is not only a chance to express yourself through an art form involving a wide range of music selections, but it is also a great workout for the entire body. It is a unique hobby that many people are unaware of, but those who are involved in the hoop dancing community understand just how rewarding all the hard work, time, and effort are when you learn a new skill or perform a new trick and it all pays off.
As I mentioned earlier, I have also looked into some research online, and I found more local classes than I could’ve ever imagined! I also came across entire websites and international groups dedicated to practicing, teaching, and performing hula dances to new and different styles of music, as well as tournaments, competitions, festivals, gatherings, and conventions all dedicated to this unique and beautiful, underrated form of art. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube as well, along with some of the most passionate dance performances I’ve ever seen; I love how the performers get lost in the music as they freely express their emotions through dance, and I can’t wait to get more involved and see where this new-found interest takes me!
