# 34 I Woke Up Feeling Loved
A frosty morning at Taiwhakaea with JC The Explorer.
I woke at peace with my life today, like someone invisible held me through the night. I would have loved for that to have come from someone real, but then sometimes life wants to teach us how to appreciate first what it is that we truly desire.
A friend gave me the ‘real’ talk last week, she called me out about my focus, and at the same time listened to me while I tried to fight the tears. Oh the tears came! That day I was emotionally exhausted, frustrated and wanted to give up. She didn’t let me, but I know because I came to the decision not to walk away, I have to do the WORK to make that change. Every part of me is excited, itchy, and craving for change.
Today, for the first time in the last few weeks, I see the fog clearing. I watched a video today from Chelsea Handler, and it was everything I needed to hear:
“You don’t need to blow out someone else’s candle to make yours brighter….(sic) There is always space for you.”
Little clues from the universe :)
The studio motto is just that “Light the fire, change the game”, because I feel, no I KNOW, that dance can make a positive impact in people’s lives, and in our community. Sharing what I love and doing it my way, that’s enough. Do the work, do the grind, and BE YOU. That’s my message today, BE YOU.
Today is a new day, and it feels good. Time to stoke the embers, oh and smile more.
Ronna Funtelar Thacker is a writer, foodie and dance studio owner.
A self-confessed eternal optimist and lover of crispy M&Ms, she shares her adventures and life learnings to connect, inspire and nurture self-love.