Learn To Enjoy the Dance and Love Your Mistakes

So what if you mess up?

A girl dancing. | Graphic made by author with Canva.

Hi there!

“You’re doing it wrong,” her mother exhaled with a frown, disapproval and frustration screaming in her tone.

“But I’m doing it,” Macey smiled while winking at me. Unphased by the comment, she continued her impromptu dance routine.

“Not the right way,” her mother scolded her.

Macey was unflappable. “It doesn’t have to be perfect as long as I’m having fun.”

It was the summer before Macey turned 16, and for the first time, she was learning to exert her independence. Never rebellious, Macey treated her parents with respect, but she was starting to understand how unique she was.

Even better, she was learning to celebrate herself.

---

“If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” 

— John Wooden

---

Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.

---

Not a dancer

I’m not a dancer. While I loved to polka and waltz at weddings in my teenage years, I was never good at it. Try as I may, my body refuses to move in rhythm with the music.

Macey, though, was born with grace. Her body felt the music, and the dance steps were as natural to her as breathing.