Embracing My True Path and Inspiring Others to Follow Theirs: Dancing Through Change
Andrea Zsapka
Creating Brand Experiences that move People Forward | Strategic Events & Brand Experience Director @Innovent PR & Co | Cross-Cultural Experience Specialist | Global Empowerment Hub | Female Founders Competition APAC
Sharing My Journey: Accepting Change and Discovering My True Path
Hello, wonderful LinkedIn community!
I hope this newsletter finds you all doing absolutely well and overflowing with positive emotions. Today, I'd like to open up and share my personal path, which has been filled with self-discovery, perseverance, and a lot of change.
So, grab a cup of coffee or your smoothie and let's get started!
Andrea
THE BEGINNINGS
I was extremely fortunate as a child growing up in a pleasant small town in Hungary to be exposed to a diverse range of activities. Painting to taekwondo, debate to arts and crafts, singing to piano playing.
I was a busy kid, figuring out all of life's beautiful possibilities. But, throughout all of these great experiences, one passion stood out above the rest: the amazing art of DANCE.
From the tender age of six, I dedicated my heart and soul to dancing. I won numerous competitions, became a dance instructor, and even had the honor of leading a dance association. The pinnacle of it all was founding my very own dance school in the vibrant city of Budapest.
Dance became my sanctuary—a place where I learned profound lessons about myself, life, human connections, collaboration, and respect. However, let's be real here, my journey hasn't been a smooth ride. It has been an emotional roller coaster, full of twists and turns.
THE DUAL LIFE OF PLEASING OTHERS
Here's what makes my tale genuinely unique and worth sharing. While I was busy building an identity for myself in the dance world, I was also pursuing an education and a corporate career in a parallel life.
Yes, you read that correctly! Along with my dancing, I went to business school and earned a diploma as an Economist in Bank Management and Stock Exchange.
I juggled the demands of large corporations for nearly 10 years, working from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then rushing off to dance classes, lessons, and rehearsals. I was able to strike an acceptable compromise in both worlds, always striving to please everyone around me.?
But in doing so, I was unknowingly sleepwalking through life, failing to realize the true impact of my choices and actions. It wasn't until one fateful day when it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I woke up and realized I had been dancing a dance that wasn't truly mine. Can you imagine the mix of emotions that flooded my heart? It was far from liberating. Instead, it brought a heavy weight of responsibility, guilt, regret, pain, and even moments of depression.
THE WAKE UP CALL
It felt as though I had been living underwater for three decades, disconnected from my own truth. The questioning began, the self-blame surfaced, and I desperately craved a fresh start.
So, I summoned all the courage within me and made a decision—I divorced and set out on a quest to rediscover myself, to find my true path. And do you know what I found? Dance. Dance became my sanctuary once again, guiding me through the darkest times.
I delved into the enchanting world of Argentine tango and other social dances, where I learned to surrender and trust my dancing partner completely. It was in those moments of true connection on the dance floor that I felt alive, truly myself.
I immersed myself in the study of dance, exploring its impact on people, starting with my own transformation. Step by step, I began to feel lighter, happier, and more aligned with my authentic self.?
领英推荐
THE BIRTH OF THE DARE TO DANCE YOUR WAY METHODOLOGY
Life had a way of nudging me, urging me to sit down, listen, and create something unique—a creation stemming from the depths of my heart, awakened by the unexpected turns my journey had taken.
And you know what I discovered during this incredible process? I realized that my true purpose lies in making people feel better about themselves and their life choices.
Through the power of dance, I aspire to help individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, to get to know themselves better, and to embrace their own unique paths. I learned to trust my instincts, and I'm walking confidently down the freshly found road that lies before me.
AN OTHER CHANGE TO EMBRACE
But just when life was starting to make sense again, it happened—a new chapter unveiled itself before me. Due to personal reasons, I had to bid farewell to everything and everyone I held dear and embark on a brand-new adventure.
This time, destiny led me to the enchanting land of South East Asia—Malaysia. Can you imagine the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied this major life change?
Leaving behind my family, friends, my adorable little dog, my dance school, my cherished role as a dance instructor, my colleagues, and even my hard-earned independence—it wasn't an easy decision.
Yet, I embraced this new beginning with open arms, ready to share my passion for dance with a whole new community, to spread joy and create connections across borders.
THE FULFILLING COMBINATION - MY DANCE
Today, I stand here, stronger than ever before, humbled by the unwavering support of my loved ones who stood by me during the darkest of times.
I moved again, this time to Singapore, and I found a way to combine my life experience into something I enjoy to do: The Make it Happen Creative Framework and combining movement with transformational community experiences.
But more about this later. Now you know my journey. TO BE CONTINUED
I CHALLENGE YOU
As I embark on this new chapter in an other foreign land, I continue to spread the magic of dance, helping individuals build self-confidence, discover their true selves, and embrace the connective power of movement.
Change is inevitable, my dear LinkedIn friends, but it is in these moments of upheaval that we truly find ourselves, grow, and unlock our extraordinary potential.
So, I challenge each and every one of you to listen to your heart, follow your passions, and embrace change with open arms when it knocks on your door. Remember, life is a beautiful dance, and with each step we take, we create our own unique rhythm.
Wishing you all a vibrant and dance-filled journey ahead!
With warmest regards,
Andrea
The Dancing Economist
Makeithappen Newsletter: A monthly newsletter to inspire you to Dare to Dance your Way and to Make it happen. Subscribe , share with your friends.
Let me know about your challenges, so that I can incorporate some tips into the Newsletter to help you overcome whatever life throws at you.
Midlife Transition Coach | Leadership Coach | Hogan Certified
1 年Very inspiring journey Andrea, you embrace the change with ??
Managing Advisor at Manulife Asset Management
1 年Andrea, I am so fortunate to know you. You are so full of love, non judgemental, forever giving and sharing and encouraging people from all walks of life to keep upgrading themselves. Thank you so much Andrea.
Top 100 Thought Leaders l I help CEOs and Entrepreneurs to achieve their dream/goals l Coach l Bestselling Author I Founder of Psychology Talks l Keynote Speaker l Marketing Research Consultant
1 年Your journey is very inspiring Andrea Zsapka It gives courage to others to follow your footstep. You are simply amazing. Keep making impact
Changemaker: Let Me Register Your TradeMark??Protecting Your Genius ??Turning Your Brand Into a Powerful Protected Legacy
1 年You're something else darling! I am so honoured to call myself your friend Andrea Zsapka