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Dancing with the Stars Not the Scars
I was reading an article from People Magazine about Cheryl Burke from #Dancing with the Stars. I was struck by the article title, Dancing in the Dark, published February 7, 2011, for I love to dance and it sounded a bit romantic with Valentine’s Day fast approaching.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t romantic at all, but several things struck me. Here are some excerpts:
- The shocking act of abuse may have robbed the dancing with the stars pro of her childhood, but it didn’t crush her dreams.
- As a kindergartner Cheryl testified against her abuser.
- Cheryl says, “Dancing is the one thing I can put my full heart and soul into and I’ll never get hurt by it.”
- She insists, “All the trauma did not stop me from realizing my dreams. There’s no shame.”
- “I may not be the skinniest dancer on the show, but I love my body.”
So much good stuff to ponder. BTW, she now has 10 seasons of DWTS experience and a growing business empire (including a clothing line and 2 dance studios).
Thought Morsel #1:
Cheryl did not allow what happened to her as a child to crush her dreams. Though along the way she made some poor decisions and bad choices in relationships. She generated the energy she needed to pursue and sustain her dreams.
Take-away: Don’t make excuses, accept the reality of situations and never give up on yourself or your dreams.
Thought Morsel #2:
As a kindergartner she testified against a pedophile in a court where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Can you imagine doing something like that at age 4 or 5? I can’t. What incredible support she must have had from her family and personal strength to manage this.
Take-away: No matter how old you are, you can always do the right thing. And, be sure you surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family.
Thought Morsel #3:
She found something to motivate her that she loved doing — she can dance her heart and soul away without worrying about anything.
Take-away: Give up worry and fear. Fear paralyzes your mind rendering you inert. Instead of complaining, discover what you are passionate about and then do it with all that you have. Play full-out.
Thought Morsel #4:
There is no shame, despite all the trauma.
Take-away:
Wow, barely 26 and she realizes there is no shame in the truth, or in divulging the truth. She is not burying things that hurt her. Whatever voices may have been going on inside her head, she has managed to come away without shame and judgment on herself. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could (1) get in touch with all that negative chatter in OUR heads, (2) take CONTROL of it, and (3) come away feeling POSITIVE about ourselves?
Thought Morsel #5:
She says, “I love my body, even if I am not the skinniest dancer on the show.”
Take-away: Putting her energy into what she loved and became passionate about, surrounding herself with positive activities, perhaps getting coaching or counseling (doesn’t say), taking personal action she managed to come out on the other side feeling great about herself as a person, as a woman and a dancer.
We all have the power within us to transform the negative chatter that can destroy our self-esteem, self-worth, motivation, energy and dreams. It is merely a matter of tapping into it… being willing to go there to all the light and dark places alike.
REFERENCE
Cheryl Burke: Dancing in the Dark. A shocking act of abuse may have robbed the Dancing with the Stars pro of her childhood, but it didn’t crush her dreams, By Alexis Chiu, Published on February 7, 2011, https://people.com/archive/cheryl-burke-dancing-in-the-dark-vol-75-no-5/
2/2/2011
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Til next time,
