Writing Powerful Allies: Angela Hayes

Inevitably we get focused on the mini-universe of our work situations: our classroom, our practice
space, the meetings, the office where the planning happens, the drives to and from work where more
planning happens, the gyms, the buses, the fields. Every inch of our physical and mental space is
inhabited by the dancers we direct. We frequently get lost in that universe of our own making. And
more times than we ever admit, it becomes overwhelming. We need bridges to less-taxing environs; we need a path that leads us to folks who understand our trials and tribulations. We’d benefit from a travel buddy to show us a map every so often.

Look no further than your own campus, you’ve got help if you want it. They are plodding along carrying school-colors backpacks full of many of your same concerns. If you are willing to confess, more than once you’ve looked at the sponsor, director or coach of another group on campus and you’ve compared their work-load to your own. And if full-disclosure was a thing, you might admit that you thought they had it easier than you. But I doubt any of you wallowed in that thought-quagmire for long, you know there exists more similarities than differences. We’re all on the same trajectory and we’re all transporting the same precious cargo: our students’ best interests.

I sat down this week with a brilliant mind, housed in the body of a high school football coach. His name is Chris and he has created a world where like-minded, results-oriented, eager professionals can share ideas about aspects of coaching: safe and best practices, innovative teaching, leading by example, and most importantly, positively influencing young people. He’s using a social media bridge to connect coaches, gathering them in a twitter space once a week to discuss hot topics, share ideas, offer one another advice. As I chatted away and listened intently, I realized that #txhsfbchat and Danceable Thoughts are crossing over similar rivers, on our own bridges, towards the same goal. We both want to assist the adults in our industries as they enhance the experiences of the students who wander into our worlds: his is football, mine is dance. When you are on a quest, there’s nothing better than recognizing a powerful ally.

Here’s a recommendation, look across your campus and find your powerful allies. Find out what the
alma mater is of that coach. Laugh with that director who brings a musical score to the faculty meetings. Find out how many bus rides that debate coach is planning on taking this school year. Ask the FFA teacher how many animals are currently being raised by the current kiddos. Your conversations will be connections that potentially will keep you tethered when you feel like you’re losing your grip.

Nobody understands a coach like a fellow coach. Nobody understands working with teenagers like
those of us who have taken on that awesome task as way more than a job, we are the ones who see it as a mission. #PowerfulAllies exist: you can look to the world-wide web of social media or scan that
horizon outside your dance space. They are out there and willing to help. You just have to decide to
take the first step to cross that bridge. Once you start walking you will recognize there’s help for you
every step of the way.

Thankfulness and Energy Management: Heather Hardesty

November Blog 2018

Heather Hardesty – Owner of Kinderdance Austin, Kinderdance Brazos County and Co-Owner of Kinderdance North Texas

Happy Fall to everyone! I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by and I’m in denial that it’s even November. This time of year makes me step back and reflect on the things that I’m truly thankful for. When we have obstacles that we have to overcome daily it’s really hard sometimes to stay positive. My mentor and I have been working very hard lately on the concept of Energy Management. In a nutshell it’s a practice you commit to doing in order to shift your negative energy into positive energy.

One of the things I’ve faced as of late is having to cover classes that were left without a teacher or that needed to be subbed. Like anyone who manages a business, my initial attitude is “I don’t have time for this” or “How am I going to get all my other work done”. Since working with my energy management tools, I have learned to shift that thought process into more positive energy. I now choose to look at it a different way. I’m thankful I’m of able body to cover the classes. I’m thankful that I get the honor of inspiring tiny humans even if it’s just for one day. I’m thankful my relationship with my schools has strengthened because I’m present at their center more. I’m thankful that I don’t settle for just any teacher and that I’m waiting for the right one. Work will be there the next day and it’s okay!

I want to share with you things that I do that help with energy management. I’m a huge writer, so keeping a journal is key! One of the most common things I do is auto writing. I take a topic or situation that is causing negative energy and I write about it. I write down what bothers me about it. I write down what I don’t want to feel and then what I do want to feel. I then write down things that I’m thankful for even if the situation was crappy. I find it so therapeutic, because it’s shifts my energy form negative to positive. I know it may sound silly, but you do attract what you put into the universe. Those that put out positive energy receive positive energy in return. Those that constantly ooze negative energy will receive negative energy in return. Think about people you know that fit one of these descriptions.

Another thing I do is called an OFTU (order form to the universe). This exercise can be done in any situation. You take a topic – any topic. Then you write down what you want, what you don’t want, how you want to feel, how you don’t want to feel. Form there you acknowledge to your higher power that the desired solution to your issue will take time and you trust in the timing. You finish with listing next steps – what you will do to get closer to your ideal situation. This has been a tool that has been eye opening for me. I come from a place of having a hard time saying no to people and projects. Doing this exercise has helped me determine if I really want to do, do I have the time to do it and does it serve me well. When I say serve me well, I don’t come from a snobby place at all. How many times have you said yes to something and then regretted it afterwards? I know I have many times. I have learned that I owe it to myself and to others to always bring the best version of myself to any situation. If I can not, then I simply don’t do it anymore.

So I hope that something in this blog resonated with you and helps you to approach obstacles with a thankful mind and heart. It’s not easy, but over time you will be a much happier version of yourself and that will attract others that are as well. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and abundant blessings.