Embracing the Dance of Life
Finding Joy in Every Rhythm
Growing up in Vienna, I was fortunate to immerse myself in a plethora of extracurricular activities. My mum supported and financed my various interests - be it tennis, dance classes, theatre, or volleyball. Each of these pursuits, in their own way, felt like a dance. They were rhythmic, involved movements, and had their own unique choreography. From a very young age, I approached life as if it were a dance, and over the years, I’ve come to see how life mirrors this art form in many profound ways.
The Rhythm of Life
Life, much like dance, is a series of movements and stillness. As a self-confessed introspective soul, I cherish those moments of quiet/solitude where magic often happens -a better way to put it, in her book ‘Becoming’ Michelle Obama writes “insights are birth and clarity comes to visit”. Yet, it's crucial to understand that both movement and stillness contribute to the rhythm of our journey. There are times when we glide effortlessly, and others when we stumble. Every step, every pause, and every misstep forms part of our life's rhythm. By embracing and understanding this rhythm, we can find true joy and fulfilment.
Dancing tells a story, and so does each day we live. Our lives are composed of various sequences—work and rest, joy and sorrow, action and reflection. What’s your story? Perhaps you start your day with a run, a cup of coffee, or a walk with your dog. These routines are as natural as a heartbeat and set the tempo of our experience. Some days are fast-paced, brimming with excitement and energy, while others are slow, offering a moment to breathe and take it all in. Even on my slow days, my mind races and my body keeps pace, which fuels my passion for running.
Finding Joy in Every Rhythm
To truly find joy, we must learn to embrace every facet of life’s rhythm. This means finding delight not just in the highs but also in the lows—and, perhaps most importantly, in the pauses. I admit, I thrive during the high-energy moments and navigate the lows with determination. However, I struggle with the pauses. As someone who values productivity and grew up in a culture that celebrates efficiency, embracing periods of inactivity is challenging. For me, pauses often mean having no plans, not knowing the next step, and being forced to sit and wait—an unsettling experience for someone who is always problem-solving.
In my 30s, I’ve come to realise that these pauses are not interruptions but integral parts of our story. They offer moments of peace in a chaotic world and opportunities for growth amidst struggle. By learning to appreciate these pauses, we allow ourselves to live more fully in the present and find contentment in the now, rather than perpetually seeking the next big achievement. From my early days of extracurricular activities to graduating from university, running marathons, and starting my corporate career, I’ve always been driven by goals and achievements. Now, I’m learning—more accurately, life is teaching me—to fully embrace the pauses. During a recent interview, when asked where I see myself in five years, I smiled, paused, and responded, “I don’t know.” This honest embrace of uncertainty was met with appreciation, and I got the job!
Dancing Through Life
Life will always have its ups and downs, its fast-paced dances, and its slow, reflective moments. By finding joy in every rhythm, we learn to appreciate the full spectrum of our experiences. We become more resilient, more mindful, and more connected to the world around us.
So, as you navigate your days, remember that every part of your life’s dance is significant. Celebrate the energetic rhythms, embrace the slow ones, and find peace in the pauses. Embrace it all, and you’ll discover that joy was there all along, in every step you take.
