A revolutionary digital space that explores life as we all evolve within it. I present my personal commentary on Fashion, Style, Art, Parenting, Crafting, Music, Literature, Culinary delights, Inspirational people and their stories. I aim to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that I have gathered on my journey in an effort EMPOWER and INSPIRE! Xxo
Today is 'National Coming Out Day' (NCOD) A big day for the gay community to be proud of their accomplishment of being who they are, out, open and honest. In the ugly face of society this can be a brutal task. It takes real strength and courage of character for any 'minority' to stand up against the herd, be different and real.
This day is MORE than just coming out and declaring your sexual preference to your family, friends, and society. It is a day to celebrate EQUALITY for all and the HUMAN RIGHTS we all deserve regardless of sexual preference, gender, age, race, or religious affiliation.
I love the NOH8 (No Hate) pictorial campaign for equality so much that I wanted to share these 2 PSA Videos - Especially while we have an election looming in America. From where I sit President Obama is all about rights; for minorities of all kinds and his opponent is the polar opposite. There are MANY issues to consider while casting your votes but NONE are as basic or important as equal rights, it is truly the foundation on which everything else rests.
January is all about resolutions, goals and dreams for the year ahead. It is a month full of promise when you are completely motivated to make all the changes to yourself and your life.
One of my goals this year is to put myself "back on the list" and take more time for self care so I can be a better person for my family, friends and clients. One of my self care items is FITNESS! I am SO EXCITED to try the new DVD Dance Fitness series from pro dancer, fitness instructor, equality activist and friend LOUIS VAN AMSTEL available JANUARY 17th called LaBlast!
According to their website LaBlast can be defined like this: "LaBlast is an innovative partner-free dance fitness program created by world renowned dancer, choreographer and fitness expert Louis Van Amstel. The program is designed to be an affordable alternative to private dance and/or workout lessons. Classes are a one-hour cardio dance fitness workout using elements from several types of dance forms, including:
Cha Cha Cha
Disco
Jive
Lindy Hop
Merengue
Paso Doble
Quick Step
Salsa
Samba
LaBlast uniquely incorporates fitness routines and movements into dance training (sometimes with light weights for additional muscle tone and definition). Music is a key component to the classes, using a wide variety of genres ranging from pop, rock, hip hop, country and disco that creates a fun, energetic club-like atmosphere to workout in. The result is a high-energy experience that makes you want to dance!"
You know and love Louis from the ABC hit show Dancing with the Stars where he literally has transformed the lives of non-dancing celebrities into real dancers, while building their confidence, pushing them out of their comfort zones and having a BLAST!
Louis teaches LaBlast classes LIVE in LA and all over the country at gyms and retreats. Now in the comfort of your own home you can let Louis LaBlast you into a NEW YOU and a Dancer! I am excited to LaBlast my post partum pounds away with Louis. I love that Louis is helping people build self esteem, make healthier choices and HAVE FUN all at the same time! The program is offered in five levels- from Beginner through Advanced. Regardless of fitness level, dance knowledge, size or skill you will be able to benefit from LaBlast.
Check out Louis New Years message and a sneak peek at the DVD's
We all apply labels to everything we have in this life as part of the human condition to allow our minds to make positive or negative associations usually based on pre-conceived notions or beliefs and not always facts or feelings.
The labels we apply to objects rarely have repercussions or consequences. The same is not true with people. We are ALL guilty of judging and labelling others to suit our purpose, justify our behaviours or to confirm a belief system we have. What we don't stop to think is how that effects the other person or their lives. The news has been full of terrible tales of teen's committing suicide based on being bullied and judged for who they are.
Through history humans have been so vile to one another all simply based on ignorance (in both senses of the word).
Professional dancer, Dancing with the Stars PRO, world champion and champion for EQUALITY Louis Van Amstel brought my attention to the comments of Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern (R) who said "homosexuality poses a greater threat to America than terrorist attacks". After my initial shock at her verbal expression of her internal ignorance and character I really felt sad for her and all who share her belief - sadly there are many. Those who choose to hate, bully, or waste their time and energy judging others.
Equality, Acceptance and Tolerance of ANYONE who is different for their skin color, sexuality, life choices, size, or perceived disability is ESSENTIAL to our evolution as a human race. Although fiercely promoted as a gay/lesbian issue I really believe EQUALITY to be a HUMAN issue. Louis shares my belief of EQUALITY for ALL and I had a chance to ask Louis a few questions regarding his feeling on the issue recently;
LISA: Why are you so passionate about this cause?
LOUIS: I was bullied for being fat, gay and short which I learned to deal with growing up, but I'll never forget the feeling. It's humiliating and makes you feel so lonely. I don't wish anyone to have to go through those feelings, that's why I will do anything in my power to not only advocate against bullying, but also find ways what we can do about it together.
LISA: What bothered you the most about the recent comments from Sally Kerns?
LOUIS: At first a laughed, because I thought it was a joke. When I realized she was very serious about her statement "Homosexuals are more dangerous than terrorists" it got me so riled up I couldn't let it go. I felt humiliated and I relived the same feeling again as when I was bullied as a kid. So many people have worked hard to get where they're at in life, for some person, like Sally Kern, to dare to make that statement is devastating and uncalled for.
LISA: What inspired you to write to her? Did she reply to your letter?
LOUIS: Even though I'm not a father, suddenly I felt the need to stand up for all the kids that are being bullied today and have no voice. Writing Sally Kern was the right thing to do. Sally Kern has not replied to letter to her on twitter, but I'm sending it officially to her office. I'm doing my research right now to get it through the right channels!
LISA: What can people do to help get involved and stop the HATE and bullying?
LOUIS: Let your opinion be heard, but do it in a way you're not trying to change people's mind. Sharing your opinion is enough. If you fight fire with fire it only fuels the opposition. When we all start living life excepting each other's differences we wouldn't have the HATE issue, nor the bullying. Can you imagine a world where we would all be the same? Same skin color, same hair color, same religion, same personalities????? It's the diversity in all the above that makes the world go round.
LISA: Can you talk about how you use dance to build self esteem.
LOUIS: For years I used dance as therapy. Thank goodness for dance, because for a long time it was my way to express without ever having to say one word about my feelings. Feelings of loneliness, humiliation, embarrassment etc. On the outside I looked happy, but on the inside I was pretty much numb. It was the combination of my artistic expression through movement and winning dance competitions that gave me the power to deal with my self esteem. I turned into a rebel. My true self esteem started growing when I started learning to say 'NO' if it didn't feel right for me! I started realizing following my gut feeling, which was giving me such a good feeling about myself versus my insecure mind. I also saw how the outside world was respecting me for it. To be true to yourself is really hard work and it never ends, building self esteem through dance is just so much more fun!....and cheaper...(LAUGHS)
Louis is a tireless supporter of anti-bullying andNOH8 campaigns as well as supporting people with developmental/intellectual disabilities. He has a heart even larger than his many talents. He is currently self esteem building via dance fitness with his new movement called LA BLAST! (soon to be available on DVD). Read his Blog HERE
Louis, Myself & my husband David attending a Charity luncheon/Fashion Show for KAINOS - an organization that provides housing, education and vocational training to individuals with developmental disabilities. An AMAZING organization really helping people!
This is an issue that we are all responsible to discuss, live our lives by example and teach our children and those around us tolerance. Hating back and acting out in negativity only perpetuates the problem. We should explore and talk about these issues in an intelligent and educated way. Life should be a celebration of DIFFERENCES and what makes each of us unique. It is only then can we all reach our full potentials as human beings and begin to evolve in peace; LOVE being the only label.
During a recent "music therapy" session I had with my husband I re-discovered my LOVE for the song "Dance with Life (The Brilliant Light)" by Bryan Ferry. I love the lyrics, vibe and overall message. Oh and Yes, I said music therapy. My definition: Cocktails and a full exploration or journey through my iTunes library and CD collection, memory lane walk and wine infused sing-a-long time which is completely FUN and CATHARTIC at the same time. Try it with your spouse or friends. Go song for song in a fabulous musical journey. There is no reason that the therapy session has to be booze infused either but I fear the sober version would be a little scary with my singing voice!
Listen to the track above - I did not make this video but some of the images are BEAUTIFUL!
I LOVE this lyric: "Breathe the sweet fresh air And make every second your last And I'll touch you from the world I wake in Make the most of the present and the past I need to dance with life"
Back to the point. It made me think about life and our daily grind as a dance, where YOU need to LEAD, not let it lead you. Imagine waking each day and you have a choice of the music (soundtrack), the dance type/style, wardrobe, pace and partner. Your life and how you experience your daily dance is ultimately up to YOU. Let's see; today seems like a Viennese Waltz type day, I'm a little bit slower paced, close in hold with my chosen partner (my fabulous husband David), not sure of the soundtrack yet but perhaps the Bryan Ferry song? Some people are overwhelmed by life and need to take a breath and maybe use this metaphor, on a day-by-day basis. Ask yourself when you rise to face the day ahead, based on your feelings, energy level and obligations "what will my dance be today?" Freestlye? Argentine Tango? Waltz? Belly Dance? Strip Tease? Solo? Partnered? there are so many different dance types and styles you are bound to find one that metaphorically suits your life. What a fun approach to your daily grind - where you take the LEAD! All of our lives and circumstances differ greatly but I feel the Dance with Life metaphor to be universal.
What will your dance be today? from the ballroom to the boardroom it is ultimately your choice! will you let someone else lead? or will YOU take the lead and leave your brilliant light behind?
Kelly Osbourne & Dace Pro Louis VanAmstel - Dancing with the Stars
