What an Hour of Social Dancing Can Do for You

Hello valuable mamas!

It had been one of those weeks — when everything feels a little off, and a silent anxiety hums in the background. The weight on my shoulders felt heavier than usual, the stress from unexpected expenses high, and worst of all, the disappointment in people I’d given my whole heart to cut deep. That emotional exhaustion—the kind many sensitive souls know too well—was relentless. Even the rituals I usually count on, like journaling, exercising and practicing gratitude, weren't doing their magic.

So a couple of days ago, when my spirit hit rock bottom and my patience had fizzled out, I made a bold move: I booked a babysitter. (Yes, there was a sprinkle of guilt—see my previous post!) I gave myself permission to disappear for three precious hours. An hour of that was just driving, but even the quiet solitude of the road began loosening the knots in my chest.

I headed to downtown Montréal, a city that sparkles this time of year. The cool summer breeze made it easy to wander aimlessly, and the vibrant energy of crowded streets wrapped around me like a warm hug. I didn’t have a clear plan, but my feet led me toward a place I’d heard about—one that hosted social dance events.

As I climbed the stairs, the sound of Latin music greeted me, and my heart melted instantly. Why had I stayed away from this for so long?

At first, I felt a bit clumsy, dancing beside seasoned movers who spun with passion and precision. But then body memory kicked in. Slowly, I stopped thinking and started feeling. I merged into the contagious joy of the crowd—smiling faces, soaked shirts, hips in sync—and let the rhythm of salsa seep into my soul.

In just one hour, everything shifted.

I wasn’t the tired, anxious woman who had entered the room. I had reclaimed my vibrant, playful, lighthearted self—the one buried beneath layers of responsibility. For two whole hours, I was me. Pure me. And that was enough.

On the drive home, I felt light and calm. The kids greeted me with giggles and cuddles. I tucked them in, stepped into the shower, and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The woman smiling back had color in her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. Gone was the stressed face that had walked out earlier.

I made a promise right then: I will see that joyful reflection more often.

✨ Remember, you cannot please everyone—and that's perfectly okay. Be devoted to your duties, but never forget to be devoted to yourself. No one will prioritize your happiness or well-being unless you do it first.

The more you give, the more will be asked of you. Don’t let others dictate how full your heart should feel. Do what makes your soul dance. And if someone doesn’t understand, let them be. Their discomfort isn’t yours to carry.

Stay true to who you are—and the next time you catch your reflection, wink at it and smile big. Because Mama knows what she values.

Love, Katerina

Note: the picture in this post is AI-generated.