“Quitters never prosper.”
You probably believe it’s true, but, as with everything these days, it’s all relative.
Are You a Quitter?
I am.
In fact, I make a habit of quitting to keep myself sane. Not when the going gets tough, mind you, just when I realize I’m beating a dead horse or need to put my values into perspective.
Call it foresight.
I remember three specific instances in my Tango journey when I chose to quit. The first was in 2003 when I ended my relationship with the woman I loved and danced with. She originally gave me the Tango bug and, without her around, I lost the desire to dance.
It wasn’t until 2006 when I got back into it, but I dropped it 6 months later because of work obligations and other “priorities.” Someone please slap me on the wrist!
The flame reignited in 2008 when I had the pleasure of passing the Tango bug to someone else who fell in love with the dance (and me, conveniently enough).
My third surrender is now, present day. A new development in my injury is affecting my range of motion so I must chill and make a game plan. It would be foolish to injure myself permanently. I plan to return to the milonga masses hopefully within a couple months and start where I left off.
Catherine Ryder said it best in her personal Tango story:
How can someone learn from [my] experience?
Just know that if something is worth doing, it is worth working for. Something like that. Perseverance, determination, desire. You won’t learn it in 6 easy lessons. You have to put forth EFFORT.
It will take you thru your stuff.
You will learn a lot more than just the dance. Psychological stuff. Scary stuff. Relationship stuff. Stuff about yourself and how you learn and what your blocks are.
Not for the weak and lazy.
If Tango is a nail, Catherine, you are a hammer. You nailed it!
What is your most vivid memory of quitting Tango or thinking about giving up?
Was it permanent or temporary?
What did you learn?
How did you bounce back?
What advice would you give?
You May Enjoy These:
{ 3 tango-induced comments… read them, love them, and add your 2 cents! }
http://elizabethbrinton.blogspot.com/2009/07/breaking-even.html
an entry with my thoughts about quitting.
Speaking of Quitting, where are you these days? I haven’t seen anything from you in over a month! Sure hope you are doing OK?????? Happy belated new year!
My dear,
Life has happened to me and I’m sorting it out – with a smile of course, always. I’ll explain more by email if you wish, but just know, that I haven’t forgotten about everyone I’ve spend so much time gathering and enjoying writing for.
I appreciate your concern.