“One reason people resist change is that they focus on
what they have to give up, rather than what they have to gain.”
A recent article on the Huffington Post titled You’re Doing It
Right, Brooke Burke-Charvet, written by the lovely David Kessler, really hit
home for me. I’m certain many people
across our country faced with job security fears will appreciate his words.
Unexpected change is challenging, but the way in which we choose to deal with it
is most important and character-defining.
My not-returning-to Dancing with the Stars has made quite a splash in the press over the past week. The
only shocking thing about it, for me, was the way in which it all went down. Finding out that I would not be returning to
the ballroom just weeks before the premiere was quite a shake up. I would have appreciated a heads-up and the
courtesy of communication, but we are not always privileged to get that in the work
place.
My kids were in the car when I got the call and my son shouted, “You got
fired Mommy?!” I tried to explain the
difference between being fired and being let go. Then he yelled, “You quit!” I laughed at the fine line in it all. Then I did my very best to describe to my
children the reality of change and the need to maneuver through it with grace.
In the bigger
picture, this is a positive change for me and I honestly believe this is the
optimum time for me to dance out of the ballroom.
I had eight (NOT seven, as written everywhere) fabulous
seasons co-hosting the show. It was a
blast! I made many friends, which I will keep and support in every way. I had the honor to work beside Tom Bergeron, whom I adore and have great respect for. I learned many valuable life lessons
and TV skills in the chaos of live television.
I am very grateful for my time at DWTS and I’m never greedy – eight seasons
was the perfect run. I will always
celebrate my coveted Mirrorball trophy and all that it parlayed me into. I’ll never forget dancing in the arms of the
brilliant Derek Hough and how he helped me to find the rhythm in my own
world.
Today I’m buried in new possibilities. I have no hard feeling and no regrets. I
sincerely have to thank all my faithful, funny and crazy fans. You made me laugh and warmed me during a
transitional time and I adore you guys! Thank you, thank you.
I can’t exactly say I know
“how to handle change like a champ” as David Kessler wrote, but what I
do know is this….
The way in which you walk out is equally as important as the
way you stroll in. That goes for life,
love, and everything in between.
