"Dance is self-care in motion a way to release what words can't express and remind yourself that joy lives in your body"
Motherhood is beautiful — but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. Between work, home life, and everything in between, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for yourself. Over the years, as I’ve learned how to heal and rediscover who I am beyond being “Mom,” I found something that completely changed how I handle those stressful days…
I dance it out. 💃🏽
It all started years ago, back when my oldest daughter was about a year old. Life felt heavy — bills, rent, work, and the uncertainty of what came next. I remember sitting on the floor crying, completely exhausted and unsure of how I’d keep going. Then my little girl came over, tried to wipe away my tears, and smiled at me. That moment hit me hard — I didn’t want her to grow up seeing me only in my sadness.
So, I turned on some music. Nothing fancy, just something upbeat. Before I knew it, we were dancing around the living room — jumping, spinning, laughing. For the first time in weeks, I felt light again. That one moment reminded me how healing joy can be.
From that day on, dance became one of my favorite forms of self-care. It’s simple, free, and always lifts my spirits. When I’m feeling stressed or burnt out, I’ll blast some music and dance it out — sometimes alone, sometimes with my girls. And now, it’s turned into one of our family traditions.
When my oldest sees me getting overwhelmed, she’ll ask, “Mom, can we have a dance party?” and just like that — the energy shifts. My living room turns into our little dance floor filled with laughter, giggles, and all the love in the world.
When my youngest was a baby, we used to slow dance before bed. I’d sing softly, and she’d drift off to sleep in my arms. Even now, almost three years later, she’ll still fall asleep that same way when we sway to music. It’s something special — a reminder that even small, simple moments can hold deep meaning.
Now, “dance party” has become our weekly thing. We dance to everything — from my favorite songs to the kids’ playlists like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes or If You’re Happy and You Know It. It might sound silly, but those are some of our most joyful, memory-filled moments.
💫 Why It’s So Good for Us (and Our Kids!)
These little dance sessions aren’t just fun — they’re incredibly powerful.
When we dance with our kids, we’re teaching them so much more than just rhythm.
We’re showing them that:
✨ It’s okay to express feelings and release stress in healthy ways.
✨ Happiness can be created anytime, anywhere — even in our living rooms.
✨ Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.
✨ Movement can be a form of healing and connection.
Our children learn from watching us. When they see us take care of ourselves through small, joyful actions, it gives them permission to do the same. It builds emotional awareness and shows them that joy can exist even on hard days.
Plus, dancing together strengthens our bond. It’s a moment of connection, laughter, and shared energy — something they’ll remember as they grow older. You’re not just having fun; you’re creating a safe, loving space for them to be themselves.
💖 A Gentle Reminder
Taking care of yourself doesn’t always mean slowing down — sometimes it means turning the music up. 🎶
Dance, laugh, move, and let go.
You deserve those moments of joy — and your children deserve to see what it looks like when their mom chooses happiness, even in the chaos.
So next time life feels heavy, grab your speaker, turn on your favorite song, and dance it out with your little ones. You’ll be surprised how healing it can be. 💕
AUTHOR: NEMESIS N. ESCOBAR-CRUZ