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Why you can’t touch this

October 23, 2020 By Carol Cassara 6 Comments

keep-on-dancing

My hometown is Rochester, NY. I went to Syracuse University. Yep. Upstater.

The audio in my car is always on, and on LOUD. I’ve been dancing (and car-dancing) my way through my time in my hometown, preparing for closing on our new second home (which already should have occurred as you read this).

“Of course you are!” you might say. “You’ve got a loving husband, two adorable dogs and a beautiful new home. You’re healthy. Why wouldn’t you dance?”

All true. And yet… attempting to “go home” again is fraught with dance-stopping triggers of all kinds. When you’ve left your family home for almost 50 years, re-entry can be a rough ride. Add to it being a Californian in a city with so many who hold diametrically opposite and vitriolic views on just about everything and you can imagine the variety of ways my buttons could be pushed.

“Can’t touch this!”

And that’s happened in small ways, but also in really big and significant ways. In ways that, in the past, would’ve sent me into spasms of anxiety and upset. Now, I just keep on dancing.

“It’s a credit to how much you have grown over the years you’ve been gone that you can dance through these difficult situations almost unscathed,” observed my “gay husband” last month.  As I danced my way out of home stores today I thought about that.

MC Hammer appeared In the very first past life regression I ever had, singing U Can’t Touch This It cracked me up–but I got the message. He was reminding me that I’d grown strong. (So I’m letting him write the subheads for this post!)

It’s because I DID leave my small city to build a life on my own that I have been able to grow, that seems really clear now. The ups and downs of creating my own life and career in a city in which I knew no one were much bigger than I could have ever thought. Yet that experience shaped and formed me in amazing ways. I built confidence in my own abilities. I grew resilient in heartbreak and disappointment. I knew I would be ok no matter what.

I still know that.

The ability of any one situation or person to bring me down, to keep me from dancing, is almost nil. It’s not like they haven’t tried.

And failed.

“Break it down!”

I love being in my hometown and enjoying the best it has to offer. I am happy to reconnect with cousins I haven’t spent time with in years or maybe ever before. We really do have great conversations. Friends who have been thousands of miles away are now in communication daily. I love being part of their every-day lives and having them in mine. My social calendar is full of so many fun activities and laughter. And at the same time, I remain in constant contact with my California loved ones and colleagues.

I was born a Rochesterian, a second-generation American raised by parents who were children of the depression (and of immigrants) in a Rust Belt City. That, I believe, has been a grounding force my entire life. I used to joke that the stork dropped me off in the wrong place, but the truth is, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I am, in fact, a proud Californian, living in a naturally beautiful state that values people and wants to give them a hand up. I will always be a proud Californian.

“I told you, homeboy, you can’t touch this!”

And I’ll keep on dancing through whatever life hands me. Here or on the other side.


BTW, I AM a past life regressionist, myself, now. Want to know more? Info is here.

Filed Under: Blog, Trippin' Tagged With: dancing, Life Lessons, resilience

Comments

  1. Diane says

    October 23, 2020 at 10:32 am

    I think you deserve a hearty CONGRATULATIONS on life well lived!
    When I read this, I keep thinking: It’s amazing what you can accomplish–if you just try!
    Diane recently posted…Daddy/Daughter DatingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Carol Cassara says

      October 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

      Given the big picture it really is incredible. But then, you know a bit about that, too!

      Reply
  2. Laurie Stone says

    October 23, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Sounds like you have a wonderful adventure ahead, blending the two worlds. Have fun and good luck!
    Laurie Stone recently posted…Respecting our Bodies, Covid-Era Dinner Theaters…and the Next Generation of Golden Girls!My Profile

    Reply
    • Carol Cassara says

      October 24, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      Oh, you’ll be reading about it! 😉

      Reply
  3. Alana says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Although I have only been to Rochester three times in my life (believe it or not, given how relatively close I live to it) I was intrigued by the city. From the mansions on East Avenue, to Highland Park and Lamberton Conservatory, to the area where Susan B. Anthony used to live, So it makes me think, how would I have developed if I had grown up in Rochester and not New York City? Or if I had grown up in the Triple Cities, where I’ve lived for some 34 years now, instead of the Bronx? How much are we a product of our childhood environs? But, as you prove, we are all works in progress. It is a wonderful thing when we find our happy place, and, as you are well aware, that happy place can change as we age. So, I hope you keep enjoying your new life.

    Reply
    • Carol Cassara says

      October 24, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      What intriguing questions you ask!

      Reply

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Carol-hat-EldersenseYour visit may make you laugh, think or expand a point of view. It might inform, inspire or even push some buttons. You’ll find intriguing discussions of spirituality as well as new ideas of all kinds.  You’ll also find some of the smartest commenters on the web. You don't have to agree with me either--all views respectfully expressed are welcome. So if something resonates with you in any way, don't hesitate to comment! Thank you for stopping by--oh, and why not subscribe so you don't miss a post?

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