what we learned when the flu threw a bug in our plans

Mason and I are in NYC for our studio’s nationals. Lessons and learning opportunities abound in this environment for the both of us. 

For me, I am learning how to possess expectations, but without attachment to outcome. Typically, I find this a difficult task and tend to set aside my expectations in order to detach from the outcome. I recognize that letting go of hopes and expectations can lead me to a place of indifference, and to lack of care and motivation. I desire to still strive and hope for greatness, whether my own or my child’s, and to not personalize or suffer a lesser outcome. 

Mason’s flu the week preceding nationals threw a huge wrench in our/my expectations of preparing for this big event. He is “competing” for the national championship title and was unable to complete (not to mention perform and clean) his solo before arriving in NY. Although he was able to finish his solo the night before competition, he had not yet regained his strength when he performed his dance. I am incredibly proud of his mental and physical perseverance. Even when he is not at the “top of his game,” he is still a captivating dancer. I continue to hold high hopes for his performance throughout these 9 days of nationals, but my overriding emotion is gratitude for his ability to participate and for the many opportunities to witness his creative gift. 

For Mason, he is presented with even greater learning opportunities. He has competed in the dance arena for 5 years now, with great success. I think it is easy to slip into a mindset of competition with all of the awards and attention he has received. With only a year left until he goes off to college and out into the professional dance world, he is beginning to recognize that nationals can be so much more than about competition and another title. Being so sick opened the door to some new perspectives. The biggest opportunity is for him simply to be who he is as a dancer, and not to strive to be what we think this nationals is looking for in their champion! He also gets to dance with other amazing dancers from around the country, which makes him a better dancer. It is likely that many of these dancers he will meet again during his career, giving him an even broader friendship base. And the strengthening of his relationships with the choreographers is invaluable. 

With the shift in perspective to be present for these 9 days as who he is and where he is, rather than as a “competitor,” the whole vibe of the experience has changed. Now Mason is performing to the best of his ability as he regains his strength, and not fretting over the things outside of his control. Instead of these nationals feeling stressful and heavy, they feel simpler and lighter now...for the both of us.