My daughters are in love with the Katy Perry song, Roar. They play it almost every night when we have our family after dinner dance marathon. The joys of having girls! You never stop being reminded to dance. When I was a dancer about a million years ago, I used to love to listen to the words and make up stories of the romantic and exciting people I would meet some day.
But, as I watch my girls dance, I notice something. The music they love is about being empowered, strong, fearless and kind human beings. No damsels in distress for them.
The words they listen to are:
I got up. Already brushing off the dust. Hear my voice. I am a champion. You’re going to hear me ROAR!!!!
And I believe them!!!!
And then I look at myself. And at forty years of age I feel my protective layer shedding. I have no reason to be insignificant or to keep my armor up. You see, I stand for something, finally, in my life. And that means that I can ‘Dance through the fire’. I am happy to be transparent and vulnerable and oh, the forbidden word from my adolescent years, INTENSE!!! My name is Sharice Noik Belikoff, and I am Intense. WOOHOO!!! (There, I celebrate it!)
And here’s the very best part. The people I want by my side, they are intense too and gorgeous, powerful world-changers. They are brave and honest and they bleed and they hurt sometimes, but that’s ok. They stand up and speak up for what is Universally right… like love, acceptance and generosity of spirit. And when the rest of the world calls them ‘Dreamers’ they say, Thank You! And when they need a hand they’re not scared to say so.
And then there are those, who come to me quietly. They look me in the eyes and I see their pain and their beauty. And they see mine. I love those people too. I know that they are on the Journey. And although it may be a private journey it is a journey nonetheless. And I am so moved when they tell me that something I said has touched them. That is when I know I’m on the right track. And I give that glory to God for, as one of my wise friends has said, He put it there!
So let me say this: Life is an honor! Life is intense. And funny. And scary. And crazy. And glorious!
I, personally, wouldn’t have it ANY other way.
So, I’ll just keep on showing up, because that is my ROAR.