This past weekend wrapped up the dance season at our studio.

Recital is always a great experience as we get to see the dancers’ reactions to being on the big stage.

Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of the weekend’s activities, I began to reminisce.

This was my 22nd recital to help with at the studio.

Christi says my first one doesn’t count because I was still dopey from having my wisdom teeth removed and was dozing during the recital.

I say the fact that I was in attendance qualifies me as a participant. It’s one of those things we will ‘debate’ forever.

As I thought back on 22 years of recitals, it made me realize how quickly life can pass you by. In the early days of my participation in recital, I helped setup and remove gymnastic mats from the stage.

This year Rosie’s boyfriend helped out. That blows my mind.

So much has happened in those 22 years.

Our marriage; birth and adoption of our kids; and many more memories help highlight the great times.

There have also been times of loss and anger during that time as well, that has been difficult to traverse.

While some of these events continue to have impacts that reverberate through our daily lives, it is also important to remember how these times continue to evolve who we are and how we handle things.

I am forever grateful for the challenges that I have been through in my life because they have made me a stronger and more aware individual.

I am also thankful for the blessings that I have been given and I do my best to not take those for granted.

Time has definitely marched on from my first days at the studio, but it has brought me so many experiences that I would not trade for the world. I believe as I have gotten older, I have begun to appreciate life so much more.

Every day is an opportunity for us to grow and make a difference. 

Will you be someone that sits by and let life lead you or will you be someone who is an active participant in where you go and what you do and exact change in your world?

For as long as I am able, I will be the change. It is much more interesting and rewarding way to live.