First Position: "Attitude"--Love Yourself First FIRST POSITION "Attitude"--Love Yourself First IN BALLET, ATTITUDE ( A-TEE-TEWD ) IS a pose where one leg is lifted and bent at a ninety-degree angle while the supporting leg remains straight. One arm is above the head, and the other is to the side. In life, "attitude" means a settled way of thinking about someone or something, and it''s typically reflected in a person''s behavior. In life, try to have a positive attitude toward yourself and others. Dear Reader , Attitude isn''t just a ballet position--it''s how you carry yourself in every situation. It can shape who you are and how you feel in any moment. Over the years, I''ve learned the importance of keeping a positive attitude, not just toward the world around me but also toward myself . There are times when everything feels great, and it''s easy to be positive.
But sometimes, things don''t go as planned, and it''s okay to feel a little down. What matters most is how we bounce back. We might not always be able to control what happens around us, but we can choose how we react . When I walk into a room, I try to bring a good attitude with me, even if the environment isn''t as welcoming as I''d like. I keep my eyes on my goals--joy and success--and remind myself that a positive mindset can make all the difference. It helps me stay focused and strong, no matter what challenges I face . Remember, it''s normal to have good days and bad days. What''s important is finding balance and believing in yourself.
Your attitude can be your superpower, helping you to move forward and achieve your dreams, one step at a time . Here are a few things that have helped me: Finding Joy Through Hobbies Growing up in San Pedro, California, I found that life was often unpredictable. My family faced limited resources and constant challenges, so finding joy became essential for staying grounded. Before ballet became a central part of my life, I found happiness in simple yet meaningful activities that helped me navigate the uncertainties around me. One of my earliest joys was journaling. I remember sitting on the floor of our small apartment with a notebook and a pen, pouring my thoughts and dreams onto the pages. Writing wasn''t just a pastime; it was a way to make sense of the world around me. I could express my feelings, hopes, and fears, creating a space where I could be completely honest with myself.
It became a way to see beyond my current situation and imagine a future full of possibilities where I felt confident and strong. Music also played a significant role in finding joy. My mom loved playing music on a stereo, and I would sit close, letting the melodies fill the room. With just a bit of space to move, I would dance around our apartment, lost in the music. These moments were more than just dancing--they were an expression of emotions too big for words, an escape into a world where everything felt right. When I discovered ballet at thirteen, it felt like an extension of these joyful moments. Ballet offered a way to channel my love for movement and expression into something structured and disciplined. But it wasn''t an easy journey.
Stepping into a ballet school for the first time was intimidating. I was surrounded by students who had been dancing for years, while I was just beginning. As one of the only Black girls in the school, I often felt like I didn''t belong. But even in those difficult moments, I turned to the simple joys that had always been there for me. After particularly tough rehearsals, when nothing seemed to go right, I would go home and write in my journal. Focusing on the words, reflecting on the day, and expressing myself on paper helped me reconnect with the joy that first led me to dance. These reflections reminded me that ballet, like my writing, was another form of expression--a way to process and navigate the complexities of life. Music remained a refuge during my ballet journey.
On days when I felt discouraged, I would close my bedroom door, put on my favorite album, and dance freely. These moments were about movement, not perfection. They reminded me that dance was first and foremost about joy, about the freedom to express myself without the pressures of technique and performance. Whether you dance, write, play music, or have any other hobby, finding joy in your activities is crucial. They serve as the threads that weave through our lives, grounding us during tough times. Hobbies aren''t just pastimes; they''re reflections of who we are and who we''re becoming. As you grow and your passions evolve, it''s important to make time for the things that make you happy. These hobbies will be there for you, just as they were for me, helping you navigate the challenges life brings.
They are sources of strength, comfort, and joy, no matter what the future holds. "Dear Misty, I love playing the piano, but sometimes life gets so busy that I don''t have time for it. How do you find time for the things that make you happy, even when life gets overwhelming?" I completely understand how overwhelming life can get, especially when you''re juggling school, activities, and everything else. Even with all the demands of my career and personal life, I''ve found that making time for the things that bring me joy, like dance and music, is essential for my well-being. One thing I''ve learned is that you don''t need a lot of time to connect with what makes you happy. Even just a few minutes at the piano can be enough to recharge your spirit. It''s about finding those small pockets of time in your day--maybe before school, during a break, or right before bed--when you can focus on what you love. I also think of these joyful activities as a form of self-care.
When I make time for them, I''m taking care of myself, which actually helps me handle everything else better. So instead of seeing it as one more thing to fit into your schedule, try to view it as something that supports you in all the other areas of your life. Finally, be gentle with yourself. There will be days when it''s hard to find time, and that''s okay. Keep playing, and never lose sight of what makes your heart sing. "Dear Misty, I feel really pressured to be perfect in everything I do, including my hobbies. How can I focus on enjoying them instead of always trying to be the best?" Believe me, I''ve felt the pressure to be perfect too, especially in ballet, where perfection can seem like the ultimate goal. But one of the most important lessons I''ve learned is that true joy and fulfillment come from the love you have for what you do, and from trying to be your best self, not from striving to outshine others.
When it comes to your hobbies, try to remember why you started them in the first place. Was it because they made you feel happy, relaxed, or inspired? Focus on that feeling instead of the outcome. Hobbies can also be a wonderful way to escape the demands of everyday life. For me, cooking has been a way to take my mind off the anxiety I sometimes feel before a performance or the stress of navigating personal challenges. Whatever your hobby is--drawing, playing an instrument, or something else--the value lies in the experience itself. It''s about the moments you spend expressing yourself, exploring your creativity, and having fun. Let your hobbies be your safe space, a way to recharge and enjoy life without the pressure of being perfect. It''s also important to give yourself permission to make mistakes.
In fact, mistakes are part of learning and growing. They show that you''re trying new things, pushing your boundaries, and being brave enough to be imperfect. When I look back at my own journey, it was those moments of imperfection that often taught me the most and brought me closer to my true self. The next time you make time to enjoy your hobby, let go of the need to be perfect. Instead, focus on how it makes you feel, and let that joy be your guide. Your hobbies are meant to be a source of happiness, not stress. Embrace the freedom to explore and enjoy them just as they are. Knowing Your Limits Taking a break and knowing your limits is crucial in maintaining not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
This lesson is one that I''ve had to learn the hard way, and it''s something I want to share with you so that you might avoid some of the pitfalls I''ve encountered. During my journey as a dancer, there were countless times when I pushed myself beyond my limits, thinking that more effort would bring better results. Leading up to my first performance in New York City, I had been feeling pain in my shin for months but continued to push through because I didn''t want to lose the incredible opportunity. When I was preparing for the title role in the ballet Firebird at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), I was so determined to meet the choreographer''s expectations that I neglected my need for rest. The result? Six stress fractures in my tibia. I ended up needing surgery to insert a plate in my shin and spent nearly a year in recovery. That time away from the stage was incredibly challenging, but it taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: You can''t pour from an empty cup. Rest is not just a luxury--it''s a necessity.
This lesson applies beyond ballet. Whether you''re studying for a big test, practicing for a sports event, or working on a creative project, there comes a point when rest is just as important as the effort you put in. If you.