Tired of trying to cram
her sparkly star-shaped self
into society’s dull square holes,
she chose to embrace her ridiculous
awesomeness and shine like
the freaking supernova
she was meant to be.
author unknown
A few years ago, my daughter and her husband attended the International Pole Convention in Denver, Colorado. I was so happy for them to be able to go and meet new and old friends and attend some amazing workshops. At these workshops, they were celebrated and validated for their amazing athletic and creative expression of themselves.
Along with all the “thrill of victory,” there was the “agony of defeat.” Renée had some serious injuries that stalled her pole avocation. But she persevered, worked through these injuries, and went on to achieve more athletic goals. She and her husband even became pole instructors and choreographers.
Some things you need to know about the pole community: they are a wonderfully diverse and inclusive bunch.
They are not just friends; they are Sparkle Friends! I love that name, and I believe that it applies to anyone whose eyes are open to the beautiful diversity in the world. It is that beautiful diversity that adds glitter and sparkle and energy to our lives.
I have learned so much from Renee, Hassan, and all of their friends. They hoot and holler for a brand-new pole dancer doing simple moves. They cheer on a senior citizen chair dancing for the first time. They dance, sing, and fund raise with the Gay Rodeo folks to help prevent teen suicide. They create and don colorful costumes for cosplay conventions – never losing their youthful joy and creativity.
Renee and Hassan continue to live their lives as advocates for ALL people, regardless of gender, color, nationality, body type, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other people uniqueness.
Because of Renee’s example, I’m learning to meet and talk to people who may take me out of my comfort zone. I am learning to add more clarity to my life. Part of that clarity includes accepting and loving myself for exactly who I am. I am finding energy and accepting and loving everyone for exactly who they are.
Everyone has something to offer this life – even, and especially - people who are different from ourselves. I so much believe in this, and I am so proud to have a sparkle daughter who continues to show me how to keep sparkle in my life!
Do you have sparkle friends? I bet you do. Think about the sparkle people in your lives. Are you a sparkle person? Can you open your mind to the possibilities and differences and uniqueness of life? Can you sprinkle glitter on your own lives?