“But that is all I do.” That was the response I gave Paula when she was telling me how I was “goals” of a mother because I continue to take time for myself. She was pointing out that many moms do not come back to class after having children, and that she was impressed I continue to make time for class, to which I replied “But that is all I do.”
I’m standing at dress rehearsal for the second show I was going to be performing in, in the less than 8 months since giving birth to my daughter and I said “but that is all I do.” And as it came out of my mouth I heard how awful it sounded. I heard how much I was minimizing all that I do. I was dismissing Paula and probably others noticing me showing up. I was minimizing all that Aerial Dance is. I was minimizing all that Aerial Dance has empowered me to do and be. I was dismissing all of the time and effort I have put into myself and my aerial journey.
Paula replied with “please never say it like that again.” And then reminded me that “all I do” is enough. I tried to continue to dismiss her compliment (partially due to just being awful at taking compliments, maybe there should be a book club book on that topic **wink wink**). So, even if my children think the only place I can go without them is the studio because, well let’s be real, that is the only place I go without them at this point, it is still doing, and doing a lot.
It is still me getting out of the house. It is still me putting on clothes and typically clothes without baby spit or other unknown substances coating it. It is still me moving my body. It is still showing me what my body is capable of. It is still me getting to be around other women. It is still me doing amazing things.
If any other student would have told me some variation of “but that is all I do”. I would have had a similar, probably less direct, response as Paula. One in which I would point out how amazing it is that they are taking time to show up for themselves and that is that is “all” they are doing to take care of themselves, that is still amazing and still a lot. I know the dedication it takes to do aerial safely. I know the dedication it takes to sign up, show up, and walk through the doors of the studio. And well, if that’s all you do, I’m proud you were able to do that.
So, here I am, asking you all to commit with me, to never say “but that is all I do” when someone compliments anything you do. And especially anything you do at Aeria Dance. Because not only is it enough, it is also amazing. Everytime you show up you have prioritized yourself, and if that’s all you do, (even though I know you will also be doing all sorts of kickbutt things) that is a lot.