IT’S MONDAY NIGHT, THE SEMI-FINALS OF DANCING WITH THE STARS.
I remember what was going through my mind this time last year. I visited Derek and Joanna in the studio last week to give them some advice and help them work on the out-of- control nerve issues. Stress is the demon on Dancing With the Stars, and I knew that nothing I could say was going to comfort Joanna tonight as she preps for show time.
I think stress gets the most of all of us, especially these days prepping for the holidays and surviving the economic challenges.
I had Derek and Joanna do an exercise to help them stay connected, which they’re going to need this week. I had them imitate each other in their worst moments. It was funny, but truthful and it made all of us laugh. I truly believe that bringing humor to even the most stressful of situations can lighten the load and make it a bit easier. More importantly, sometimes we do not realize how we act until we see it played out. What a great game to play in a relationship. If we only knew how certain things we do hurt our partners. Imagine if there was a real life mirror that was staring back at us in our worst moments….we probably would simmer right down. After that, I asked them to name some of the best qualities that each other possessed. It was a sweet, tender moment, and honestly we all need to hear those sometimes.
I can’t remember the last time that I listed all my favorite things about David for him. I will admit that I have no problem throwing the negative ones around! I took a class once that had couples walk around each other and name all the positives things about their partners for 2 whole minutes. It was a vulnerable, deep and meaningful exercise. It really felt good and was a great feeling to share admiration as well. I love it when Rain says sweet things to me; I wish everyone could be as uncensored as a 2 yr old. Every time she says I love you mommy, it warms my heart.
Ok, before I get sappy, my point is that I admit that I get stuck in a negative rut sometimes and I don’t focus on the positive. I know better, but it’s often easier said than done. When Derek and I made it ½ way through the DWTS competition, it was our attitude change toward each other that allowed us to win. I believe the same applies to a real life relationship. There is nothing better than compassion and commitment.
I am totally rooting for Derek and Joanna tonight! I was supposed to be there in the audience, but I can’t get out of the office today, bummer! I will be cheering them on from home.
Here are a few picks from some of my favorite DWTS moments.
It took so much to make it to the finals, and more than I thought I had in me to actually win. Life is funny like that, but if you give your all, and don’t get caught up in the stressful bull, you just may amaze yourself! I did.
