popn' cherries

First it was Kate Spade. Then it was Anthony Bourdain. Now it’s one of my best friend’s friend who decided to end their life by committing suicide.

Why am I posting about dance if I’m writing about suicide? Well, first, you never know what someone is going through based on the surface. So, just be nice and do your best to try to be aware of the signs. It doesn’t take much effort to do that. And guess what? You may just save a life.

For several years, I have dealt with my own levels of anxiety and depression. Some anxiety so severe that I felt like I was choking and couldn’t breathe. I had to rush to the hospital and schedule several doctor appointments to try to figure out what was going on. Depression is another story. It’s like a deep hole you can’t get yourself out of. You see the light, know you should be positive, you’re aware of the logical things to do, you’re grateful for everything you have, but for some reason, there’s still a sense of hurt, a heaviness crushing your strength, and a feeling of emptiness that you feel like no one or nothing can fix. But trust me, that’s not the case.

Khat and I got together yesterday to add another dance video to the #khatAndkim passion project. We love dance, fitness, laughing, but more importantly, inspiring others to push beyond their limits and live their best lives. I knew we had an amazing connection when we first met and that we shared a lot in common, but I was surprised to find out that she used to have anxiety and depression, too. Immediately I felt our friendship reach a new level. We exchanged stories about what we went through and how we continue to battle through it. Just being present and listening to each other’s stories is a great example of how we can be supportive beyond the surface.

Dance plays an important part of our lives because it is our release. It’s something that we do that makes our soul feel supremely happy, free, and courageous. It’s a big part of our therapy and healing past anxiety and depression. It’s how we rediscovered ourselves and reclaimed our independence. Everyone is different, but truth is, everyone needs a release…an escape…a cure…a breakthrough to help them through this amazing, but sometimes challenging life.

This post of our dance project was originally intended to be something different. But, this dance…this post…now means so much more to me. I dedicate this post to anyone experiencing struggles and feel that it’s beyond their control. Know that support is out there and that you’re not alone. Depression and anxiety can make you feel isolated but, the fact is, forty-million adults in America are experiencing something similar. Check out Anxiety and Depression Association of America for more information. There’s a list of support groups all over the U.S. Feel free to reach out to ME if you want to share your story or if you just need someone to listen.

Anyway, I am proud of the incredible magic that Khat and I are fiercely determined to conquer together. Khat is an incredible motivator and she shares a piece of her and her journey here. Check it out! Blurb mentioned at the bottom. Also, be sure to follow her on IG @khatmartin for more of her bad a** self. I am honored to be her dance partner…but more than anything…honored to call her a dear friend.

Enjoy the video and remember, push yourself to go for it and continue to live your best life!

“She leaves a little sparkle everywhere she goes.” – Kate Spade

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“Every experience, positive and negative, contributed to who I am today.  It’s crazy how things can easily evolve from one thing or another and how people come and go.  But it happens for a reason: to educate you, embrace you, to encounter life situations with you or the exact opposite.  But hey, life goes on and either way, there is always an important lesson.” – Kathryn Martin