In episode two, Polly & Gina take on the topic of What Do You Dance For? An idea taken straight from the pages of Polly’s book, Cherished: Shattered Innocence Restored Hope
Listen in as P & G examine the two different types of dancing we do in this life. One that comes from the soul of our being and the other, driven by fear. Fear of being rejected; being seen as less-than. Fear of being unloved.
One type of dance is borne of the rhythm of our hearts while the other from a beat of oppression.
When our dance is a performance for love and acceptance, we become something other than who we truly are. Which leaves us questioning the authenticity of our relationships with others, ourselves and even with God.
So, what rhythm are you dancing to? And for what purpose?
Actions/Questions: There are two types of “Dancing”. One is performance based and the other is your true identity and life giving.
1. Identify what/who you might be “dancing” for and write those down. Ask yourself the whys? Is it for acceptance, fear of saying no, being loved etc…?2. What is that dance that comes from your soul? The one that is the you- e—est you! The one that makes you feel the most alive!
3. DANCE!!!! Turn up the jams & have fun dancing!
Book Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527613193&sr=8-1&keywords=the+gifts+of+imperfection
Given the subject matter we covered in Episode Two: What Do You Dance For, we think the subtitle of this resource says it all…LET GO OF WHO YOU THINK YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE AND EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE! (Don’t think of those caps as us yelling at you. Think of them as us issuing a call to arms. A battle cry, if you will.)
While there are other books by Brene that have gained more popularity, this is one that remains at the top of our ‘must read’ list. She reminds us that being authentic and living a whole-hearted life have nothing to do with perfection. In fact, they are the complete opposite! The sooner we are able to learn and live out these truths, the sooner we are able to engage and create relationships that cultivate growth and even healing. For us and for others!
While research rules the day for Dr. Brown, her wit, personal stories and calling out of her own ‘imperfections’ makes this book relatable, practical and worthy of sharing.
https://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Shattered-Innocence-Restored-Revised/dp/1495193535/ref=dp_ob_image_bk
By now you’ve had a glimpse of Polly and a portion of her story. In fact, Episode Two: ‘What Do You Dance For’ is an idea taken straight from the pages of her powerful book.
This is important because we don’t ever want you to think we’re asking you to do anything from the ‘cheap seats’. When we make an ‘ask’ or offer an idea for your own exploration, it’s because we know the power these journeys can have to bring us hope and healing.
In order to live the life we’re created for, rather than living out of a performance-based mentality, it is helpful to dig a bit deeper into who we are and why we do the things we do.
When you follow Polly's story you will have the opportunity to explore and write the foundations of your own. After every chapter are journal prompts designed to help you discover who God truly created you to be.
While your journey may not look like hers (or does it?) this book will challenge and encourage you to become free and realize your true identity and value. An essential in learning how to fully realize the value of others and their stories.
https://www.amazon.com/Perfecting-Ourselves-Death-Excellence-Perfectionism/dp/0830832599/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527614636&sr=8-1&keywords=perfecting+ourselves+to+death
While discussing a topic like ‘What Do You Dance For’ in Episode Two, it seemed only natural to us that we should call out the obvious and damaging part perfectionism plays in our battle with living performance-based lives. Whether it’s the pursuit of the perfect body, image, family, job or relationships, if we have any hope of living a full life we must let go of the pursuit of a perfect one.
Dr. Richard Winter helps us explore this and offers practical strategies for how to change. He helps us see that there nothing wrong with striving for excellence in our lives. This can, in fact, be a very healthy thing!
However, Dr. Winter helps us see that perfecting ourselves and striving for excellence are two very separate things. And more often than not, one is the enemy of the other.
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Differently-Live-Keys-Freedom/dp/1450709206/ref=pd_cp_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1450709206&pd_rd_r=ed1f0947-6369-11e8-8ce9-a3e8d727e07b&pd_rd_w=DEEac&pd_rd_wg=j8z7y&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=80460301815383741&pf_rd_r=0GD7HYQRPM5Y99M3FDV9&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=0GD7HYQRPM5Y99M3FDV9
When you hear us say things like “knowledge is only power when its combined with action”, it’s a safe bet that we’re going to feel drawn to a resource that helps us explore how we are thinking about life. While we know it’s not as simple as changing your mind, Bob Hamp helps us see that it is a critical foundation to truly changing the way we live.
Examining the root of performance based mentality requires us to take an honest and at times, challenging, look at the way we think about ourselves and the world around us.
Filled with tender words and powerful truth, this book will help you see, through parable and practicality, the ways in which we think about life ultimately leads to the way we live it.
Read it with highlighter in hand!