My birthday weekend just passed, and I feel younger and more alive than I did in my twenties. “What’s your secret?” I’ve been asked many times, especially over the past few days.

I have three ‘easy’ answers.

1. My beautiful mom who taught me to walk this earth with simplicity, courage, and authenticity. That kind of beauty radiates from the inside out, and no one can diminish its brightness. Age can actually brighten it.

2. Dancing. Someone reminded me today that it’s not just the physical act of dancing- although that is a huge part of it.

But it’s also how much dance taught me, and continues to teach me, about myself- my body, my intuition, my spirit, my connection to all that’s around me, and how to tap into my greatness and life force energy.

That energy is electric, making Dancing a fountain of youth for our minds, bodies and spirits.

I am so blessed to have it and my mom’s spirit making me better and brighter with age, not dulled or diminished.

and

3. Recognizing that we have been conditioned to believe that aging brings us down and deteriorates us.

Age doesn’t bring us down, it brings us deep. It gives us dimension, character, grace, and wisdom. It is up to us- how we choose to use that and perceive it.

And what you believe, you will see and achieve. So choose your beliefs wisely. Ignore the ones that don’t serve you in reaching your highest potential.

Dance, Dream, and Desire at any age. Don’t let anyone – not even a silly number or wrinkles- stop you. They are just character lines. Proof that you have laughed and loved, expressed and indulged.

I don’t know about you, but I plan to indulge more and more each year, unapologetically. I am actually pretty proud of this self-indulgent girl.

She has finally learned how to give to herself. Dance has helped me see my worth. My much needed presence and energy in this world.

You are much needed here as well. Let’s own it. And celebrate this life, each year, instead of fearing it.

#DanceMeFree#LailasDaughter#TasleemLaila#BirthdayBeauty#Blessed#MySecret#DanceKeepsUsYoung