Evolution or revolution? The world is a stage for adult Irish dancers

Adult Irish Dancer
Photo: Flickr/Andreas Schepers

When the dance masters traveled through Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s, they taught mainly adults and very few children. What a contrast that is to today, when the majority of instructional Irish dance dollars are spent on children and teens. Even with the flux in ages of dancers, it is increasingly clear that anyone who wishes to dance may do so.

Twelve years of age may seem late to begin dancing by modern standards, but Phil Cahill is quoted as saying that when he began dancing in the early 1900s, “There were no children dancing like there are nowadays”. It is interesting to note that, according to Cahill, there were plenty of boys and men interested in dancing. Few girls competed, and they were only adult women who participated in figure dancing.*


When you walk into a modern Irish dance studio, the overwhelming majority of students are female children and young adults. The occasional boy is seen clicking his heels and many Irish dance studios now teach adult classes.  

The Blackbirds adult Irish dance group
at the College of Wooster in Ohio
Photo courtesy The Blackbirds

You may wonder why you should even care whether adults danced in the past. The answer is simple:  we can learn how to bring about positive change in the future by examining the past.

Adult Irish dancing has seen an increase in the past few decades, as have all things Irish dancing since Riverdance The Show. With the increased connectivity of the internet, more Irish dancing adults are supporting each other in their goals whether for competition, performance, or the sheer fun of it. Young champions are continuing to dance into their adult years, some dancers are returning to the now adult-favorable atmosphere and new adult beginners are trickling in.

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Read more:

Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools

Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing

Waterford and Galway Irish crystal awards rank high on Irish dancer wishlists PHOTOS
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After one hundred years, the demographics in Irish dance have shifted from mostly adults to an overwhelming flux of young dancers.  This switch happened naturally and can easily swing in both directions. One can only hope that the door will continue to swing wide and allow dancers of all ages opportunities to express themselves.

William Lee
O'Rourke Irish Dancers, New York
Photo S.J. Velasquez for Feis America LLC

Where will the adult Irish dancer's journey take him? What possibilities will arise for adults as they brainstorm and find new outlets for their love of dancing?

If the world is a stage, adults don’t have to be in the audience. Having a few more birthdays won’t hold them back from pursuing what they are passionate about.  The question is not simply what can an adult Irish dancer do, but what can she can become?

*Cullinane, Dr. John P. Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing. Ireland: Published by the author, 1987, p. 44.

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!

Evolution or revolution? The world is a stage for adult Irish dancers

Adult Irish Dancer
Photo: Flickr/Andreas Schepers

When the dance masters traveled through Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s, they taught mainly adults and very few children. What a contrast that is to today, when the majority of instructional Irish dance dollars are spent on children and teens. Even with the flux in ages of dancers, it is increasingly clear that anyone who wishes to dance may do so.

Twelve years of age may seem late to begin dancing by modern standards, but Phil Cahill is quoted as saying that when he began dancing in the early 1900s, “There were no children dancing like there are nowadays”. It is interesting to note that, according to Cahill, there were plenty of boys and men interested in dancing. Few girls competed, and they were only adult women who participated in figure dancing.*

When you walk into a modern Irish dance studio, the overwhelming majority of students are female children and young adults. The occasional boy is seen clicking his heels and many Irish dance studios now teach adult classes.  

The Blackbirds adult Irish dance group
at the College of Wooster in Ohio
Photo courtesy The Blackbirds

You may wonder why you should even care whether adults danced in the past. The answer is simple:  we can learn how to bring about positive change in the future by examining the past.

Adult Irish dancing has seen an increase in the past few decades, as have all things Irish dancing since Riverdance The Show. With the increased connectivity of the internet, more Irish dancing adults are supporting each other in their goals whether for competition, performance, or the sheer fun of it. Young champions are continuing to dance into their adult years, some dancers are returning to the now adult-favorable atmosphere and new adult beginners are trickling in.

-------------------

Read more:

Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools

Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing

Waterford and Galway Irish crystal awards rank high on Irish dancer wishlists PHOTOS
--------------------

After one hundred years, the demographics in Irish dance have shifted from mostly adults to an overwhelming flux of young dancers.  This switch happened naturally and can easily swing in both directions. One can only hope that the door will continue to swing wide and allow dancers of all ages opportunities to express themselves.

William Lee
O'Rourke Irish Dancers, New York
Photo S.J. Velasquez for Feis America LLC

Where will the adult Irish dancer's journey take him? What possibilities will arise for adults as they brainstorm and find new outlets for their love of dancing?

If the world is a stage, adults don’t have to be in the audience. Having a few more birthdays won’t hold them back from pursuing what they are passionate about.  The question is not simply what can an adult Irish dancer do, but what can she can become?

*Cullinane, Dr. John P. Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing. Ireland: Published by the author, 1987, p. 44.

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page!  Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance and has been selected by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America to provide live commentary and results at the 2012 North American National Irish Dancing Championships!

Irish dance diet - Summer is the best time for a healthy lifestyle change

Summer fruits
Photo: Flickr/Mrs. Magic

If you are paying attention to my Irish dance diet, you may have noticed how slooowly the weight is coming off.  Mostly it's because I am distracted by the many irons I have in the fire. But I figure a small weight loss is better than none. Seriously, I could be 4 pounds heavier than I was when I started and I'm not!

To me, summer is the perfect time to be on a diet.  The air is warm and the breeze smells like new life.

I think that it is easier to exercise in the summer because the weather is nice and I am more likely to get outside and be active.  The sun sets later and there are more hours in the day.  It is easier to drag my sorry behind out of bed in the morning if it is light outside. Swimming, hiking, biking, walking, running, dancing, whatever you love, get out and do it!

I love fruit, especially berries!  Summer fruit is such a luxury and feels like a treat to the dieting me.  Strawberries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, apples and cherries!  Is your mouth watering yet?  I do much better on my healthy eating lifestyle if I feel satisfied, and fruit helps me fill that void.

How does summertime motivate you to take better care of yourself?

Week Eight

Weight lost=.7 pounds

Total weight loss= 4.1 pounds

Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in June

Adult Irish dancers at a workshop in Munich Photo: courtesy Shane McAvinchey Many feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) offer competitions for adult Irish dancers. Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that welcome adult Irish dancers in June. Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults.  Source: www.feisworx.com  Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship Detroit International Feis 2012 Detroit, MI - Jun 1, 2012 to Jun 2, 2012 B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  4,6,8 hand  specials: parent child figure

Grand Canyon State Feis 2012 Scottsdale, AZ - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Grand Canyon State Feis Committee FF, B1, B2, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8 hand  specials: traditional hornpipe special, family 2 hand

Oregon State Championship Feis 2012 Portland, OR - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Yeates Academy B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8 hand  specials:

Houston Academy Feis 2012 Calgary, AB - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012 Calgary Irish Music and Dance Association B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8, progressive specials: treble reel special

Pikes Peak Feis 2012 Monument, CO - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 9, 2012 Celtic Steps B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, slow and traditional speeds traditional set  2 hand jig, 3 hand reel, 6 hand reel specials: Ceili championship: a team of 8 dancers presents a four hand and an 8 hand dance

Beautiful British Columbia Feis 2012 Surrey, BC - Jun 16, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 Tara Rince Society B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8, progressive

Ozark Mountains Feis 2012 Branson, MO - Jun 17, 2012 McCafferty School of Irish Dance B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,8 hand  specials: family figure

Twin Cities Feile 2012 St. Paul, MN - Jun 23, 2012 Shamrock School of Irish Dance B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  8 hand  specials: parent/child figure

Utah State Feis 2012 Sandy, UT - Jun 23, 2012 Scariff-Hardiman School of Irish Dance B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  8 hand  specials: treble reel If you have a photo of your adult class practicing or performing that you would like to see featured, please email me.

Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in June

Adult Irish dancers at a workshop in Munich Photo: courtesy Shane McAvinchey Many feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) offer competitions for adult Irish dancers. Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that welcome adult Irish dancers in June. Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults.  Source: www.feisworx.com  Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship Detroit International Feis 2012 Detroit, MI - Jun 1, 2012 to Jun 2, 2012 B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  4,6,8 hand  specials: parent child figure

Grand Canyon State Feis 2012 Scottsdale, AZ - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Grand Canyon State Feis Committee FF, B1, B2, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8 hand  specials: traditional hornpipe special, family 2 hand

Oregon State Championship Feis 2012 Portland, OR - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012 Yeates Academy B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8 hand  specials:

Houston Academy Feis 2012 Calgary, AB - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012 Calgary Irish Music and Dance Association B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8, progressive specials: treble reel special

Pikes Peak Feis 2012 Monument, CO - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 9, 2012 Celtic Steps B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, slow and traditional speeds traditional set  2 hand jig, 3 hand reel, 6 hand reel specials: Ceili championship: a team of 8 dancers presents a four hand and an 8 hand dance

Beautiful British Columbia Feis 2012 Surrey, BC - Jun 16, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012 Tara Rince Society B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,6,8, progressive

Ozark Mountains Feis 2012 Branson, MO - Jun 17, 2012 McCafferty School of Irish Dance B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  2,3,4,8 hand  specials: family figure

Twin Cities Feile 2012 St. Paul, MN - Jun 23, 2012 Shamrock School of Irish Dance B1/B2, N/PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  8 hand  specials: parent/child figure

Utah State Feis 2012 Sandy, UT - Jun 23, 2012 Scariff-Hardiman School of Irish Dance B, N, PW 4 soft shoe 2 hard shoe, traditional speeds traditional set  8 hand  specials: treble reel If you have a photo of your adult class practicing or performing that you would like to see featured, please email me.

Irish dance diet - Step up the exercise

I used to be really motivated to lose weight and the last few years I haven't been able to muster up that enthusiasm.  I think that as my family has grown and I spend much of my time planning, cooking, storing food and the junk food makes its way into my house (how does it do that?) that I have a harder time resisting food.

Soo, I am going to up the exercise to combat the apparent lack of willpower I have to stay away from food.  I will still strive to eat healthy, don't get me wrong.  Here's my plan of attack:

1- Decide where you can fit in more exercise

I love to read, so at night I am going to spend the first half an hour of my reading time on the elliptical machine.  I won't even notice that I'm working out! I will continue to practice my Irish dancing every week day and attend my classes.  The weather is getting warmer and that means bonus walks in the evening with my husband.

2- Weigh each "extra" bite and decide if it's worth taking away from the excellent work outs I am doing.  Is a handful of Swedish fish really worth cancelling out the calories burned on the elliptical tonight (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't)?

What kinds of exercise do you like to do, in addition to Irish Dancing?


Week Seven

Weight lost=.6 pounds

Total weight loss=3.4 pounds

Irish dance diet - What's your currency? Motivate yourself!

Irish dance solo dress
available on www.dance-again.com

I'm hitting a wall in my weight loss and it's a mental one. I can come up with excuses--being out of town, birthday parties, visiting relatives.  But in reality that is just life.  And if I want to loss weight permanently, I need some motivation!

For motivation, I've decided that because my end reward for losing 30 pounds will be an Irish dance solo dress, I will give myself $20 each time I lose one pound.  That way, I can chart my progress, reward myself along the way, and have the cash ready when I reach my ultimate goal.

So how do you motivate yourself?

1- Decide what your currency is.

What do you like for a reward?  It probably shouldn't be food related if you are trying to lose weight. If you continue to strive for your goal, reward yourself with a new book, a night out at the movies, or even simply a bubble bath.  I'm going to give myself a crisp $20 bill each time I lose a pound.

2- Create a visual reminder.

Write up what you want to accomplish or create a collage of photos that remind you of your goal.  Then put it somewhere where you will see it every day.  I am going to post a photo of a solo dress on my bathroom mirror.

3- Use the currency as an anchor.

Every time that you are tempted to slip, consciously think of the motivator.

4- Don't forget to reward yourself when you have reached your goal.

I can't wait to wear that solo dress!

Week Six

Weight lost=.3 pounds

Total weight loss=2.8 pounds

Book review, The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers by Sean Connolly - VIDEO

The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers
by Sean Connolly

Sean Connolly released The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers in February of 2012. Though he is not a dancer himself, Connolly touches the lives of many Irish dancers around the globe through inspiration and coaching.

In the same vein as the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Connolly's new inspirational little book will encourage and lift any Irish dancer's heart. With advice on practicing, goals, persistence and positive mental attitude, The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers is a must have for Irish dancers of all ages.

Though small in size, Connolly's inspirational book offers large advice, "When you retire from dancing all you will have are the memories. You do not want to look back at a past full of regrets and failings due to fear, stress and worry. Make these memories full of excitement, fun and of a dancer who always did their best" (pages 20-21).

Not only are Connolly's words encouraging, but they offer motivation for change. "If you want a different result, you are going to have to do something different," Connolly says on page 43. "Why not start with something that costs nothing, but could give you just about everything, and that is a new way of thinking."

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Read more:

"The Jig is Up!" celtic band joins with adult Irish dancer Richard Tew - PHOTOS

TapTronic talks Irish dance, dubstep, fast feet in first official interview - VIDEO

Twenty questions with a "Reel Boy" from South Africa - Neil Roberts

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Readers will be willing to look past the few grammatical errors in the book in favor of the gems of truth embedded in its digital pages. Many of Connolly's quotes such as "Practice is the only short cut in life and your best strategy for success" (page 69) will end up on practice walls and dance studios everywhere.

Suggested mental exercises, and candid full-color photos of Irish dancers dot the pages of The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers to help dancers replace any negative thoughts with positive goals.

For information about purchasing a copy of The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers by Sean Connolly, visit his website.




The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers book trailer

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!

Irish dance diet - Eating healthy on the run

Staying healthy on a business trip
(and winning second place in a writing contest)
Photo: Christy Dorrity 

It's week five of the Irish dance diet and I'm steadily plodding along.

My husband and I went out of town to a conference over the weekend and it wasn't easy to eat healthy and stay focused.  I was dreading the scale when I got home, but pleased to see that I had more than maintained--I had actually lost weight.

Tips for Eating Healthy on The Run:

1-Bring your own snacks.

When you know that you won't be able to control what is offered for meals while you are away, pack some healthy alternatives.  That way, you can eat less of the calorie high dinners and go back to your room and have a healthy snack if you are still hungry.

2-Don't forget to exercise.

It may be different than what you do on a daily basis.  You can park your car and walk, take the stairs in the hotel, and take in the sights of a new city on an early morning run. Take advantage of the pool or exercise room in your hotel.

3-Mentally track what you eat.

Even if you don't have time to keep track of your eating, keep a mental tally of the high calorie foods.  If you've had a bit much, take it easy the next day.

4-Don't step on the scale just yet.

When you get home, don't step on the scale right away.  Chances are you will be up quite a bit from traveling, retaining water and extra food in your system.  Get right back on your diet and wait a day or two before you step on the scale.  You may find that you didn't gain any weight at all.

Week Five

Weight lost=1.4 pounds

Total weight loss=3.9 pounds

The Jig is Up! celtic band joins with adult Irish dancer Richard Tew - PHOTOS

Champion Irish dancer Richard Tew is teaming up with Houston's newest band, The Jig is Up!.  The band performs traditional Irish tunes and dance music, with musicians on flute, fiddle, accordian, melodian, and bodhrán.  Many of the numbers are traditional Irish dance music, making the band a perfect fit for Richard Tew's Irish dancing. 

Tew began Irish dancing when he was 20 years old after seeing a local dance school perform. After teaching himself the basics through video tutorials, Tew sought out a dance school. He learned quickly, moving up in the dance levels, winning several state championships and clinching the southern regional championship in 2003.  

Recently Tew began looking for a way to share his love of Irish dance with others. "I've always wanted to be on the stage," Tew says. He heard The Jig is Up! performing at a local coffee shop and asked if he could dance with them. When he pulled out his hard shoes, the band members humored him. After Tew pounded out the rhythm to their traditional Irish dance music, the group grew excited and asked him to join them for their St. Patrick's Day engagements. "We both had the idea," says Tew. "We wanted to take it to the next level."

Richard Tew, champion adult Irish dancer
photo: Pin Lim

Tew and The Jig is Up! are not trying to recreate Riverdance, according to Tew, "The costuming and music are traditional, also with contemporary new beats and sounds." The group desires to pay tribute to the music and culture of Ireland and pass it on to the new generation. "We want the audience to leave knowing they saw an original traditional Irish dance, as we know it," says Tew. "This is modern contemporary—a competition trained Irish dancer in your neighborhood. It’s good enough to stand on its own."

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Read more:

Master Irish Dance workshops offered online with fantastic instructors - VIDEO

Teenage professional Irish dancers- Joey and Clare Roca in Rhythm in the Night

Giving back with Irish dance - Carolan School and LauraLynn House
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Practices for Tew's first performance with the band are in full swing. Tew says that it can be challenging to dance in time to the band's music, which is more spontaneous than the live music played at Irish dance competitions. "They love to improvise, " Tew says, "And it’s natural for them to improvise and let loose, but it can’t deviate for a dancer." 

Tew has advice for adult Irish dancers:

"Don’t give up. If it’s really what you want to do, do it.  If you want to be good, you have to put in twice as much work to do it. Don’t let competition be the end of your experience.The enjoyment is better than how many trophies you bring home. "

The Jig is Up! with Richard Tew will be performing at the Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, 2201 Preston, Houston TX 77003 on Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 pm.

For more information about the band, their recording and future performances, go to TheJigisUpBand.com

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!

Four reasons why the family that dances together, stays together - VIDEO

Irish dancing is a family affair
Photo: courtesy Christy Dorrity

Mothers and fathers who have children in Irish dance, and are dancers themselves, know of the joys that come from sharing Irish dance together.


There are real advantages to having family members dance together.  Here are a few:


1-Saving time and money


Can that be a typo?  How could anyone think that including more children in dance would ever be less expensive?


Families who have many children understand how hectic life can be when each child is going in a different direction--soccer on Tuesday, dance on Wednesday, piano on Thursday, and so on. When a majority of the family does the same activity, there is less running around and juggling of schedules.  Many dance schools offer family discounts and most feiseanna have a family maximum on fees.


Expensive shoes and costumes can be passed down to younger siblings. Melissa Cleverly, an adult dancer from Scariff School of Irish Dance in Utah says, "I just put shoes that are too small in a bin, and when a younger sibling needs a pair of shoes we go to the shoe bin to get pair of shoes."


2-Family bonding time


Not only do parents and children enjoy one another's company at practices and performance, but even the travel time can be a perfect opportunity for sharing and quality heart-to-hearts. Many families turn competition weekends into vacations, or family vacations into competition weekends. Rachel Joy, adult Irish dancer from Beaton School of Irish Dance in Maryland, says, "Driving to and from feiseanna is the best time; parent/child competitions are fun too!"


Performing together in recitals or in parent/child competitions strengthens relationships. Each family member feels the rush of cheering for a sibling or child and sharing in their triumphs and pitfalls.


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Read more:

Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers this May

Adult Irish dancers The Blackbirds at The College of Wooster in Ohio



Titanic-themed Irish dance competition in Massachusetts

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3-Promoting Exercise


Dancing by its very nature encourages parents and kiddos to get up off the couch and do something active.  Dance class fosters stamina, perseverance and endurance.  Even practice time at home counts as a calorie-burning, heart-helping activity. When children see their parents doing something active to stay healthy, you can bet there are healthy habits forming.


4-Encouraging Dreaming


How great is it for kids to see their parents making goals, then working toward them with vigor? "We all practice together and are at dance together," says Cleverly. "It is so fun to have this common interest in our family. Everyone in our family has something in common with one another."


Adults who go to practice and work toward a future goal give their kids the gift of ambition and the belief that they, too, can do anything they put their mind to.


ScullyPA, an Irish dance mother, shares this cute little video with us:

Avoiding the Competition--practicing with kids around 

Video: courtesy ScullyPA

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer who shares the journey with other family members?  Do you have any great memories of your time together?  How do you cope with scheduling conflicts and costs? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!

Irish dance diet - Working will win

Gone feising with friends at SLC feis, Utah

Working Will Win When Wishy Washy Wishing Won't

I injured myself last Monday in class while practicing for a feis. I've been working very hard to strengthen my body and learn my new dances and with a strained calf muscle I couldn't even go up on my toe.  To add insult to injury, I gained weight last week and was trying not to feel overwhelmed with the fact that I now had to lose a few extra pounds.

When set  backs happen, I struggle with wondering why am I pushing myself so hard and spending so much time working toward a goal that many people view me as too old for. I begin wondering if those naysayers are right.

I decided that I would be as positive as possible. I let my leg rest and I practiced my dances in my head. I stretched each day and continued to prepare for the feis. I ate healthy and walked for exercise.

It worked!

By Thursday I was able to dance full out, after a full warm up. I attended the feis (for the first time since I put my back out last summer) and had a great time visiting with some of my feis friends. And the icing on the cake? I lost the weight I gained plus a bit more.

In reflection I realize that if I had given up to the voices that tell me that I am too old, or I am injured, or I can't lose the weight, I would be right where I started on Monday evening. I now have momentum and confidence that my goals are attainable.

Don't give up your goals. Push forward with faith and perseverance. If your goals are realistic for you, keep at them and don't give up!

Week Four

Weight lost=1.9 pounds

Total weight loss=3 pounds

What do you do when obstacles are placed in your way? How have you overcome setbacks?