A new year is just around the corner, many of us are taking time to look back on our pole move accomplishments of 2012. I was a bit surprised when I looked back at mine! 

Do you know how many new moves I've leaned this year? Guess....The answer is..... two! Yeah, that's right, I've learned two new pole moves in 2012, that's it! Also, I've not increased my flexibility at all this year. So, what does this mean? Have I failed or gone as far as someone "my age" can? No way!! It's merely a representation that I've been busy living life!

This year, we moved our family across the country, into a small condo, then moved again three months later into our current rental home. As a result of all the moving, lifting, and overall lack of exercise, I ended up with a mystery injury that still lingers today. That's life! 

So why am I sharing this? Sometimes I feel, as pole dancers, we're only happy with ourselves when we push and push, reaching for the newest and latest move. This can leave some of us feeling like an Average Joe! And I'm sure, most of us were not drawn to pole because we thought it was an average activity!  Pole dancing challenges us physically, emotionally and mentally. But let's think, is being an Average Joe a bad thing? No!

I myself, am an average Joe. At least in the sense that I too, work, cook meals, do dishes and laundry. Care for kids, and a husband, (love you honey) and have other hobbies just like many of you. However, I will admit I have somehow been blessed by the pole dance gods and have a natural ability for this art...I don't know why, but I'll take it! But, even though pole comes "easily" to me, I haven't had the chance, or should I say, MADE time in my life to keep pole a priority. And that's OK! I've spent my year working, moving, healing, and well, living like an Average Joe!

Finding time to pole can be challenging for anyone. And I strongly feel that we don't have to pole everyday, to be a "real" pole dancer.  We don't need to learn EVERY move there is, or pass a certain level to be a "real" pole dancer or to feel "pole contentment". All you really need is a passion when you DO have the time to pole dance. In fact, the whole idea for the 30 Day Take Off Program was a result of my understanding that life happens. I've experienced the struggles of, on the pole, off the pole, time and time again. That's life, the life of Average Joe. Pole dance happiness isn't reserved only for those who win competitions or perform advance level moves. Everyone, even Average Joe, can find happiness in their pole journey if they focus on their own personal progress and allow themselves time to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the journey!

So, even though my personal pole accomplishments have been small, its been a wonderfully fulfilling year and I have learned to find contentment with where I am in my pole journey. I have know idea what 2013 will bring but I'm excited! 

Happy New Year!!!!! xoxox