30 days has November, it also has 100 pirouettes a day. Sam's Mental Health Challenge.

Help me make it meaningful

Many of you don't know this about me but I do ballet! I do ballet to de-stress, for my posture and memory and also for exercise. The main reason I returned to ballet was for me. My relationship with ballet is that I absolutely love it, but I also struggle mentally with it due to anxiety and PTSD from my younger ballet years. I only returned to ballet almost 2 years ago and it took a lot of courage to walk through the EV Dance studio doors. The owner, Alice, will tell you that I contacted her off and on for about a year before ever attending. The struggle was real, a 30 year break from dance and a heavy burden that's hard to shake.

I have achieved so much since returning and I am proud of myself for doing it, and I am talking about it more and more. But I still have a long way to go. I keep pushing myself because I won't let the anxiety and trauma beat me. I don't wear leotards to class as yet - that is still a work in progress. But I did this year join the performance group and it took me many practices to stop tearing up especially when costumes were involved. Back on stage we went, lights, camera, action. Soon we will be donning a tutu for our second dance and who knows how long the tears will run for. Its all trauma but all healing at the same time.

This year, 2024, I've also been known as Ms Pirouette and my reign is coming to an end. It's funny because as soon as I was given this honour at the EV Dance end of year celebrations, I couldn't for the life of me pirouette anymore. My head got to me. I overthink. Too much talk and attention. My confidence was hurt. It then transferred to all my ballet. Why should I keep going? I know what your thinking, how can rewarding someone for something amazing end up being there demise? You tell me! Then I would fixed. 

I keep going because I Love Ballet. EV Dance is very supportive. I won't let my head win. So I keep going. Heart Wins every time.

So due to this, my own mental health struggles, this November I have decided to not only challenge myself but to raise awareness for Mental Health.  Why November, my daughter was born in November and she suffers from ADHD and Anxiety - she spends all her time trying to fit in and finding her place. She also dances.

30 days has November, it also has 100 pirouettes everyday - that is 3000 pirouettes. And with all that practice, I will believe again and nail my pirouettes. I am also doing it for everyone who struggles with mental health no matter how small or big it is. So many layers. Its OK to talk about it. If you ever need to talk I am here to listen. Thank you for your support.

Some further information-

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.

That’s why I’m getting active and raising funds for the Black Dog Institute - to support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

Help me create a meaningful moment for mental health as I work up a sweat, all for a great cause.

Please donate now. Thank you.