The Confidence to Awaken Your Inner Diva

Have you ever thought about trying something new, but lacked the confidence to take the plunge?  Maybe deep down inside you knew that it would make your heart sing, if you actually pulled it off? You felt the tug of your inner diva but were unsure what to do. Let me share how I awakened my inner diva!

My First Zumba Class

I’m about to embarrass myself here (one of my top talents), but that’s how I felt about trying Zumba.  For you it might be something totally different and hopefully way cooler.  Yet that was all the confidence this stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of 3 self had back then. 

I climbed the 23 steps leading to the front door of my first Zumba class and I was so winded.  Luckily, my t-shirt was baggy enough that I could catch some of the cool almost minty spring air.  The frumpy frock was also long enough to cover my inner thigh jiggle, so it was a win-win.

I walked in with just enough time to set down my belongings, take an awkward sip of water, and find a free space to position myself.  But where would I stand?  I was new.  I was the chubbiest girl in the room.  Someone might be offended by my additional assets? Clearly, I should stay in the back or so I thought. I lacked the confidence to head up front. 

Just then, Lily walked in like sprinkles on a cupcake. She was full of joy, spreading all of her good vibes around the room as she greeted each person by name.  She introduced herself to me and encouraged me to have fun.  The party was about to begin!

Time to Dance!

The party was lit!  Lily demonstrated each dance move with such high energy.  The women swayed and danced the Cumbia.  The new moms wriggled to Reggaeton.  The front row divas owned the floor, knowing the choreography of every song. And then there was me, spinning left when I should’ve gone right but still having the time of my life. 

Why hadn’t I done this sooner? There was no judgment in this space.  Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Lily as they followed her lead and she jammed to the beats of the music.  Nobody was looking at me. 

Needless to say, I went back.  I went two, three, sometimes four times a week led by my desire to dance my cares away.  Months went by and I began to release my insecurities.  

Discovering My Inner Diva!

I didn’t stand in the back row anymore.  OH NO! I had awakened my inner diva!

The back rows are reserved for the newbies and never on timers.  I gradually made my way to the center row and finally in the front row where I had always belonged.  I was a “front row diva”.  Say it slowly, for the maximum effect.  Front.  Row.  Diva.  

It was a pretty big deal for a shy 200+ pound mama like me to achieve such an honor.  Front row divas dance with confidence.  They face the mirror where they can admire their curves and give the occasional “I’m-so-sassy” eye wink.  They’re not just divas in Zumba class either. 

Oh, no!  They shimmy through life knowing that they have a fire inside worth illuminating to the world around them.  They unapologetically say “Yes” and perhaps, more importantly, they say, “No” when they’re just not into it.  They’re not afraid to take risks or make mistakes.  

If there is no stage, they build one with sweat and sparkle!  

Being a front row diva is a mindset.  

Mom You are A Diva!

You are a front row diva.  Yes, you!  You have the ability to become the sensation in your own life.  Perhaps, you are reading this and thinking, “big whoop”.  Well, I’m not done yet.

Awakening my inner diva led me to doing things I’d never conceived of trying such as; losing 60 pounds, running a 5K, becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and now starting my own business as a Health Coach. 

Not bad for former back row Betty, if you ask me.  

What are you holding back from trying?  I hope that you’ll take a chance and awaken your inner diva.  The world is waiting to see you on the dance floor.