I went to a neighboring town's music on the green tonight and danced to Sambada- an Afro-Brazilllian Funk band. I found a space open enough that I didn't bonk people with my hoop, but I couldn't see the stage... I had so much fun! Although a part of me is horrified by the pictures because I look so fat! I have put on weight since sustaining a running injury almost 2 years ago. Still, these are my only hooping photos and I am working on appreciating my body for what it is and what it does for me.

I am putting in my clinical hours at a skilled nursing facility as I finish a certified nurse assistant course and it has made me confront the fact that I am aging, will be old one day (if I'm lucky), as well as all of my feelings that I attach to old age. I care for people that can no longer bear weight on their legs, can't walk, can't feed themselves, can't take themselves to the bathroom, and all sorts of things that I take for granted in the vanity of my youth. It is physically hard work, emotionally taxing, and in delicate situations I recognize that my residents are maybe feeling embarrassed or frustrated with their declining abilities. Right now at this moment in this life, my body is: whole, healthy, strong, able, and my vehicle for experiencing life (and the joy of hooping). When I catch myself criticizing my belly, my thighs, my double chin, etc.- I remind myself that when I am in my 80's or 90's looking back I will only see the beauty of my wholeness and vitality and think how much I wasted being ungrateful to my body.

It is my hope that all of my sisters (and myself) can learn to love our legs for supporting and carrying us through this adventure of life, can appreciate our bodies- not for aesthetics- but for what they do for us, faithfully.