I am back!

Hello!

Sorry I have not written in a very long time. This summer has not been one of my favorites.

As you may know, my grandpa was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and bone cancer in January. This hit our family very hard. On June 8, 2014, my grandpa took his last breath at home surrounded by all of us. Fortunately, all his friends and family got to say goodbye before things really went downhill. I know he is still supporting me from heaven and definitely encouraging me to get back into shape.

My dance teacher judged the nationals so I couldn't go. Things happen for a reason and I am so thankful for this. I know I would not have been very focused if we had decided to go. Not being very dance motivated this summer, I found myself stumped on what to write about. I mean I wasn't really preparing intensely for anything; I had no feisanna except in June.

https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheParadeOfChampions

It seemed like my whole dance school was on a huge break, which is nice, but I hate being away from dance class.

And now, my summer is abruptly ending with high school starting July 31st this year!
Eeeek!  I feel like this summer has blown on by.

So, it is back to the blogging and dancing routine I love.

My "journey" continues again as Oireachtas 2014 is only 114 days for me!

It is time to rethink my goals for the big "O" and most importantly, think about the action that needs to go along with those dreams.

Oireachtas will sneak up on you quickly!

What are your Oireachtas goals? Recall? Top 25? World Qualify? 1?

I would love to hear from you.

Send me your feis photos so I can post them on Facebook or Instagram! (Direct message on IG or private message on Facebook)

"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." 

~Martin Luther King Jr.

North American Irish Dance Championships.....

I hate writing this as my first post because I had such high hopes for this major. I have never worked as hard. I had never had so much practice time available to me. I have never been stronger and I have never looked so forward to a competition than this one.

I let myself down .

The only thing I didn't work on was believing in myself. After all that practicing, I thought I had enough confidence to get in the top 15. I made the mistake of checking my draw numbers a day ahead and siked myself out when I saw who I would be dancing with in my rounds. I found out that this girl placed in the top 3 at worlds.Normally, I do what I always do at competitions which is to introduce myself so I don't feel intimidated by these great dancers. They are kids just like me. They love and practice Irish Dance just like me. But that didn't work this time.I had all ready resigned to defeat standing behind stage. I allowed myself to be small and not dance with the passion that I know I have.I came out flat and didn't dance the way I had in the many hours of practice prior.

Ugh. I guess no matter how much you practice, it all depends on the belief you have in yourself. Apparently  I have a lot to work on this fall in preparation for Oireachtas.

P.S.

That girl I was intimidated by ended up being a really nice person who was just as nervous as me standing behind stage. I hope to stay in touch with her. By the way, she won my group.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ― Henry Ford

photo credit: unknown