Do you find yourself wanting to try new experiences, even if they scare you? I’ve been discovering this about myself recently and wanting to do more things outside my comfort zone, mainly because they boost my morale and confidence and empower me to explore more adventures.
 

Until recently, I really didn’t exhibit this level of curiosity or drive. I was busy working in pre-school education and raising two sons with my husband, Mike in Illinois. Life moved along, and while I am a very outgoing person and involved with my church and community, I really didn’t seek out new challenges outside my career.

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In 2019, we made the move to Southern Pines to be closer to my parents who had moved here years before. With the pandemic, it was a bit tricky at first immersing ourselves into community activities, but we soon became fast friends with

a number of wonderful neighbors, got involved with Emmanual Episcopal Church and took on some new hobbies.

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One day in 2023, I was doing some Christmas shopping at a local pet store and overheard a conversation at the checkout about tap dancing classes. Before I could think even about it, I asked them more about it said I wanted in! Now, I haven’t tap danced since high school days in variety shows, so I couldn’t believe I jumped at the chance to do something like this.

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I joined a troupe of terrific women called Tapestry, led by instructor and choreographer Arlene McCue. The ages of the fellow dancers range from early 30’s to 92. What I quickly learned from the seniors in the group was that none of them retire from life, no matter what. And the classes represent such a welcoming, encouraging experience, not to mention a taxing lesson in stamina and physicality.

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That was two years ago, and I’m proud to say that our troupe won 2nd Place in our category at the 2024 State Finals of the North Carolina Senior Games. The Games began in 1983, offering participation in a wide range of sports and arts and categories for residents across the states aged 50 and over. I have to tell you, standing in the wings waiting to go on stage, I was truly terrified. I couldn’t believe I was doing it and feared my feet were cemented to the floor. But I got out there with my team and put on a great show. It boosted my morale and energized me to seek out other fun challenges I had never entertained, even indoor rock wall climbing.

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The best part of all of this was when my son told me how proud he was. In that moment, it hit me that I wasn’t trying these new ventures just to prove something to myself; I was demonstrating to my sons how important it is to keep growing and trying new things for as long as you can. I now fully subscribe to the notion that life diminishes or flourishes in proportion to one’s courage. My tap shoes and I are ready for the next act.