What do you believe is the most important thought or attitude you need to change that affects not only your dance career, but also your entire life? A simple but profound answer is, THANKFULNESS! We take a lot of things for granted until they are removed from our lives. One thing that I appreciate more than anything is my health. For most of my life this was not a problem, until I became ill and was even in a wheel chair years ago. For a dancer this is a real awakening. It was for me. Through what I believe was a miracle, not only did I come out of a wheel chair, but I was able to dance again, and even with my former partner David, that I competited with many years ago. I also was able to adopt my precious daughter, Autumn from China, which was a seventeen-year dream. She is now 13 years old, and following in her mother’s dance feet, becoming a ballerina.

The following story called THINK, is from an anonymous writer. I hope it impacts your thinking as it did mine.

THINK
 “There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, ‘If I could only see the world, I will marry you.’

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages
came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'

The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that.
The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying:
'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before,
And who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift – Today before you say an unkind word,
Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food
Think of someone who has nothing to eat..

Before you complain about your husband or wife,
Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life,
Think of someone who went too early to heaven..

Before whining about the distance you drive,
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job,
Think of the unemployed, the disabled,
And those who wish they had your job.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
Put a smile on your face and think: you’re alive and still around.”

As you go through your daily living, rehearsing, teaching, traveling, competiting, remember to be Thankful even when things do not go your way, or circumstances become difficult. So I leave you with this thought, Be Thankful That You Can Dance. It is truly a wondrous gift from God! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan Silva is an NDCA National Championship Certified Adjudicator in all styles of Ballroom Dance plus the Performing Arts. Former Theatrical, Exhibition, and American Style Champion. Broadway, Television, and Film Performer, toured with the Beatles in the mid 60’s, Author of a Theatrical Ballroom Syllabus, Choreographer & Lecturer. Available for judging, lectures, choreography, and coaching. Susan is also a Personal Dance Life Coach, and ordained minister able to counsel people in all areas of life. Counseling is done by e-mail, phone, skype, or in person. She is now located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Contact Info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.susansilvadance.com, ph: 860-984-8387