I think I've figured out my Zumba teacher's strategy. She tries to murder us on Mondays. Maybe she thinks that then we will be too incapacitated to come back for classes the rest of the week, thus making her job easier. And I have to say- her strategy works pretty well. The Monday class is BRUTAL... and when I do come back later in the week, I'm sore before the warm-up is over. Ugh. But I try to press on.
Here's what she tells us frequently, in her cute little French accent (go figure, my Zumba teacher is from Belgium): What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And I know she didn't invent that phrase (and yes we dance to the Kelly Clarkson song by the same name), but for as often as I hear that phrase in life, it's rarely being spoken by someone who is actually TRYING TO KILL ME, as Angel seems to be. It feels more meaningful being spoken by someone screaming at you to hold a plank for like 10 minutes, or do "just 20 more" push-ups.
After we complete something really tough, Angel will say "is anyone dead?" And when we all respond with "no" (even though we FEEL like the answer should be YES), then Angel will say "good. Then you're stronger."
And in the context of Zumba, she is probably right. I haven't died, although sometimes I feel like I'm only one dance away. And I am noticeably stronger than when I started. So I guess Angel was right on this count.
But what I'm hoping is that the cliche will prove true in the rest of my life, too. The last few years have often felt like a long and torturous beating. But since I'm not dead...maybe I'm getting stronger. These days, whenever I start wallowing in the pain, I conjure up my sweaty, happy little Zumba teacher in my mind.
Are you dead? No? Then you're stronger.
I know the feeling! I have also found that song to be inspiring
ReplyDeletegreat post! you are SO on your way to being totally blog famous! : )
ReplyDeleteIt's true- Kelly Clarkson is a genius. Also, I think our parenting skills will be far superior to those parents that didn't deal with infertility. Our children will no doubt be perfect in every way while theirs will be terrorizing the neighborhood or sitting in detention. Telling myself that helps me sleep better at night, anyway.
ReplyDeleteHow true. And I think it's no accident that her name is "Angel." Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteLove this...needed to hear this today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! I enjoy reading your posts and like your humor:) I feel your anguish and desire to become a mother. After a loss shortly after we were married, my desire to become a mom has never been stronger. I liked your post on E, Myself and I and your post on MD. I plan on writing something about MD, too..even though it will be late, I think I need the writing therapy.
ReplyDeleteSorry this comment is so long! That song you mentioned in this post, comes to my head often and even the other day, I was talking to my husband about some trial and he said, did it kill you? I said no, he said..then you must be stronger...
Have a great weekend!
I needed this today!! Thanks! As a middle-school long-term leave sub...I've had to break downs this week, one at home with the hubby and one if front of the kids (they were being A.W.F.U.L). 3 more weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be the freaking hulk after this:)!