08/03/2023
This is me. The challenges and losses that I’ve endured these past few years have forced me to evolve into a new version of myself which has me feeling unrecognizable. I’m older and less carefree than my youthful self once was. I miss the fearlessness and energy of that gal but I’m grateful for the wisdom, clarity, calmness, and safety that I now embody for myself. My physical strength has greatly diminished but my mental strength is picking up the slack.
Some of you may not know that I was forced to take a medical leave of absence while battling major health issues this past spring. Since my hospitalization in March, I have been diagnosed with an anti-inflammatory condition called Adult Onset Still's Disease and continue to work with the Rheumatology team at Michigan Medicine regarding my treatment, recovery, and the long-term management of this condition. The biggest complication I’ll face in time is joint destruction.
The introduction of Zumba Gold to my dance repertoire will allow me to keep dancing with my arthritic state and will provide a safe and healthy form of movement to preserve my joint health. We’ll see a reduction in intensity of our choreography along with the omission of jumping, twisting, and high-impact moves which could negatively affect our joints. Classes beginning August 6th will feature modified versions of our favorite numbers from over the years as an introduction to this new format of Zumba fitness for us all.
T-minus 3 days till we dance again, hope to see you soon my friends 💕
