Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Girl Take Time for Your Mind…And Get Your Dance On


One of my favorite things to do in the world is dance. I’ve been dancing since before I was born. My mother says that when she was pregnant with me, I’d start kicking when she turned on her car radio. I’m sure hearing music by the likes of Rick James and Michael Jackson got me hyped as a fetus. I haven’t studied dance. I’m not a professional, but I love it.

Sure dancing is good for my body, but it does wonders for my mind. Those of you who follow this blog know when I’m feeling blue, I will put on my Madonna CD and dance in my living room until I’m sweaty. Or  I’ll turn it out to the Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble. I may play some ‘90s hip hop (even Uncle Luke) or Latin music. I feel at my freest when I’m dancing. There’s something about the freedom of creatively moving your body. And girl, I dance like no one’s watching even if someone is watching.

The photo of me is from a blues class I took in San Francisco. My partner in the photo was the instructor for the night. As you can see I was having fun, being free. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I enjoyed myself. And it didn’t hurt that the instructor was cute. I haven’t been back in a while, but I want to take up blues dancing again. It’s a lot of fun.

At first I was nervous doing blues dancing because your partner has to be really close to you. But then I remembered how my friends and I used to get down in college. In blues dancing, your partner is close to you like when you were grinding at a college frat party. But there’s more of an art to the movement in blues. I need to get active again, and this is on my list.

If you’re in a slump, get your dance on. It could be at a club or in your den. Just move, spin, twirl, drop like it’s hot, do the robot. If you’re feeling good, dance. You’re bored? Dance. Just dance.

Single ladies, look for blues dancing in your area. There are usually a lot of men there. 

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