If you aren’t dancing your way through life, why not?

"Living with a chronic illness can often feel like a constant focus on the negative—the things we can’t do, what we feel life has taken from us, the relationships affected, and so much more. But through my ten-year journey with chronic illness, I’ve learned a powerful truth: happiness and joy don’t come from what we can or can’t do, what we have or don’t have, and certainly not from others. Joy comes from us.

Each day, WE have the power to wake up and choose happiness and joy. It’s about finding the positive in everything, even when life feels unbearably hard. It’s about recognizing the incredible strength we show every single day, even on the days when the disease or surgery recovery knocks us down.

We all get ONE life, and I choose to spend mine—despite the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness—full of joy, love, and gratitude for the people I hold most dear. This disease has taken so much from me: my career, a decade of mobility, friendships, family connections, and at times, even my sanity. But it’s also given me so much in return.

It’s shown me just how strong I truly am. It’s brought incredible new friendships with people who started as part of my care team and, over ten years, became family—people who truly understand the battle I fight every day. It’s taught me to find joy in even the smallest things, to share my story in the hope of helping others, and most importantly, to step out of my comfort zone without fearing failure.

Fear of failure used to paralyze me, but not anymore. One thing that brings me daily joy and sets me up for success is singing and dancing. I know it might sound silly, but it’s soul-soothing and uplifting. I pick upbeat songs (sometimes a little inappropriate but so much fun) and just let loose. It doesn’t matter where I am—my car, the kitchen, the bathroom, my spinal surgeon’s office, or even dancing with my dogs—I dance anywhere and everywhere. Fun fact? I’m terrible at it, but I have an absolute blast anyway.

So, I encourage you to dance a little today. Even if you can’t stand or walk, you can still dance. To show I practice what I preach, I recorded a fun clip one night while cooking dinner. The song is Taste by Sabrina Carpenter, and yes, I’m singing along, too! The song might not be kid- or work-friendly, so maybe keep the volume low.

If you’re not already dancing and singing your way through life, I have to ask—why not? What’s stopping you? You’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a try!

Ivy

In my kitchen having fun since I have to cook and eat anyways lol.

This is my spinal surgeon’s exam room lol. There is no sound as it’s in my ear but I am dancing in this room while I wait to see if I get my boot off, spoiler: after 5+ months I did! Please excuse my mouth, I’m getting used to Invisalign and haven’t figured out how to not look crazy yet.

Dancing on a typical Saturday night at my house. Dancing is just one more way to move my body that I enjoy and helps me stay pain free.