So last weekend I travelled to Florida for my class in Zumba Gold! I had travelled here because the instructor for the class came with great praise and recommendation from several I love and trust, and it was so worth the trip.
First off – I left Vermont in an unually cold snap. I hopped on my plane and was clicking through some channels and got to see the new Zumba ad. Some familiar faces in there now. Some I hope to meet as I work on learning more and bettering my own fitness and learning how best to teach/motivate others.
I arrived in the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport six hours later to 88 degree heat and 87% humidity! Baby it’s was certainly NOT cold outside.
I spent Friday afternoon enjoying the pool, cranking the AC in the room and having some fresh shrip and key lime. Later I went across the beach and over to hang out by the ocean. It was still hot and humid, but the breeze coming off the ocean felt great after a quick dip.
Nerves were kicking in and the reality of it was sinking in like my feet on the beach. I remembered the first classes I took hanging in the back corner hoping and praying that NO ONE would see me. I was having some of those same fears here – would people jusge me based on my size or my heart? I certainly don’t look the part of instructor. But this is something that has changed me forever. I’m happier, healthier, and loving life a whole lot more since starting. Weight loss is great – but it’s almost a fringe benefit to some of the other things.
I made an early night of it, and set the alarm for bright and early. Well – really, dark and early. I wanted to see the sunrise on the ocean. I knew that would be another way to calm myself, and remember the strength of support and self that I have.
Saturday morning it was just me and the guy doing yoga on the beach as the sun rose. It was quiet except the whoosh of the waves. I thought about all the folks who had supported me along the way and the emails I’d gotten.
I’ll write more about the class soon -but I’ll just say for now – I have my license in hand and I am Zumba Gold eager. I can’t wait to find ways to use it in the community.