Two Steps Forward

It is two steps forward, and two steps back. These are instructions I was given a number of years ago, by a man,  when learning the “Pride of Erin” dance.

Now I must say I had never really liked dancing and had not planned to learn to dance at all. What changed was the enthusiasm and grace of the man showing me. He danced away like he had a partner, and he completely drew me in to learn. When he encouraged me and said he would teach me, I could not help but say yes.

Over a number of weeks, he taught me the steps with such patience. When I did it wrong, he calmly said, ‘that’s ok,” guided me where I had gone wrong and suggested we go over the steps again. I did, and I loved it. The patience and tolerance he showed me, having two left feet was remarkable. Many would have gotten frustrated but he didn’t. He was nothing but supportive, and encouraging, and it sticks in my mind twenty years later.

We lost contact for a few years until we both happened to be at the same gym at the same time. Instantly he said, “let’s dance” and we did. We danced around the treadmills, weights, and people without care in the world, and so much laughter. It was so much fun. I loved dancing with him when I had not liked dancing before, and he showed the same patience he had earlier. I still had two left feet.

My dance teacher was amazing, and I could not have selected a better one if I chose. There was something truly magical about him, and I did not see he had “Downs Syndrome.”  I knew he had “Downs Syndrome” but all I saw was a man I loved dancing with.

How often do we look at someone and judge thinking we know them, when really, we do not? How often do we focus on people with a disability rather than the amazing abilities they have? If we never truly get to know others, we do not know the gold, beautiful experiences, and people we are missing.

Why not this week focus on the strengths of someone you had previously focused on weaknesses. It could be that they do not have a job, but they always smile and say hello when they greet you. It could be someone that no matter how often you tell them the meeting time, they are always late, yet when they are in your company they listen intently. If you are brave why not tell them their strengths and see if they smile.