I mean it's only my #1 coping mechanism AND way to get in touch with my emotions, plus my favorite mode of self-expression, not to mention the only activity that has consistently brought me joy at all times of my life. - Lo

You can be sad. And you can certainly grieve a loss, even if you know it's temporary. - Anne Bouey

YES. I'm so sad for you. I've been out of dance for a month with mono and am heartbroken, I can't even imagine what you're going through other than knowing it sucks times ten million. :-( Sending dance love <3 - Penguin Sparkles

I recognize that it's good to look at the positive, and I am making a big effort, but that felt so invalidating of my feelings, I do believe some reassurance might be in order. He sounds right, but it feels so shitty. - Lo

On the actual bright side, I've found five ways (so far!) to enjoy the magic of dance despite my limitations. Fuck those restrictions! - Lo

Lo, you get to feel any and every way that you feel about not being able to dance. Or about anything else, for that matter. *sends speedy healing love* - vicster.

I hope you're better soon. Losing a creative outlet really sucks. *hugs* - John (bird whisperer)

Absolutely!!! I'll be sad with and for you, in fact. *hug* - Lisa L. Seifert

I figure we feel sad when bad things happen because it's part of how we grieve - you can still be grateful about other things, but still sad about those. I hope that your recovery is swift, but it feels totally understandable to be down a little about your situation now. - Jennifer Dittrich

Thanks guys :) It's a real boost, since I see so few people these days. - Lo

Thanks for the dance love, Penguin! First thing I did after that discussion was text a dance friend... you get it! I also really appreciate the choreography suggestion, I've had a multi-year project on the back brain burner for a long time, and that sounds great. I was discouraged about not being able to do much even mentally for a while, but it's getting better with less painkillers. - Lo

((hugs)) - WoH: Professor MOTHRA

The grief of "what might have been" is part of our physical limitations the grief of :"what if" and "what now" I hope you can find solace in music and movement that is perhaps not dance but something else that is you escaping your sadness and static place. Know perhaps that your feeling now could enrich your palette of emotions for a dance you build in your mind that others may share. I send you peace and empathy and healing thoughts and the knowledge that this to shall pass - WarLord

Emotions are seldom an either/or, strictly one emotion affair. We feel many things at once. They are all valid. Hope and positivity for the future and grief and sadness for the now often live comfortably (and uncomfortably) together. - Michael W. May