Mercedes Ibarra Flamenco Los Angeles
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Feeling Thankful

11/22/2016

2 Comments

 
PictureMy husband, Tarik, and me at the Lupus Foundation of America's Lupus Walk 2016.
I'm going to be honest. 2016 has been a tough year. My husband's business slowed down significantly and I've had to continue learning to balance my own work with my need for self-care. Over this year, I have had to learn to accept that I cannot do as much as I used to. I have even had to accept an additional diagnosis. I know now that I have Fibromyalgia on top of the Lupus.

Yet, I am grateful. I can still do a lot. I'm still dancing. I'm even back to teaching regularly. This school year, I am teaching Flamenco to 7th-12th graders at a performing arts high school. I love being able to share this art form that I love so much and I love the kids. They are so funny and they are sponges too. I can't believe how much they learn in such a short amount of time.

Earlier in the year, I was ordained as an Interfaith Minister and I got to perform my friend's wedding in September. Along with my sister-in-law and some supportive friends and family, I also helped raise thousands of dollars for Lupus organizations. 

Even among the difficulties, a lot of great stuff has happened and I believe that very little of this would have been possible if it were not for my access to healthcare--my regular visits to the Rheumatologist, my lab tests, my medicines.

I am supremely grateful for my healthcare. I pray to continue to have access and I pray that everyone has that same access.

For many, including myself, 2017 brings a lot of uncertainty. There is one thing I know for sure, though. I am surrounded by love. The love of my very supportive husband, family, and friends. The love I feel for all of them. The love I show myself when I take things one moment at a time. The love I know I have for all beings, even if sometimes it is hard to express it. I know that there is an infinite amount of love that is always available, no matter what hardships may come.

For that, I am most grateful.



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What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below.







2 Comments

    Mercedes

    In love with Flamenco for over 25 years.

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