The Unexpected Joys and Lessons from ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the Grand Opera House Belfast

This was previously a post on my LI account.

We’ve all been there—agreeing to participate in something that doesn’t initially excite us, only to find the experience unexpectedly rewarding. My recent outing to see ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the Grand Opera House in Belfast is a prime example. Despite my reservations, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the performance. My wife may have ‘won’ this round, but it served as a powerful lesson in self-awareness and honesty.Let’s consider a workplace scenario. You’ve had a draining day full of back-to-back meetings and your line manager suddenly asks if you can take on an additional project. “It’s perfectly normal to be unmotivated to do a mentally challenging task after a mentally challenging day at work,” says Tobias Dang, MD. It’s crucial to be transparent about your limitations, both for your well-being and the health of your professional relationships. You might say, “I’m interested, but I’ve had a packed day. Can I start on this first thing tomorrow?”But here’s the catch—being honest doesn’t mean crafting the perfect ‘come back’ sentences or creating elaborate excuses. Imagine a home scenario: Your spouse wants to have a ‘date night’ (Tuesday at the Omniplex is usual), but you’re not particularly in the mood for it. Authenticity is about saying, “I’m not up for the cinema tonight, but how about we schedule (it's the way I talk) it for the weekend?” This way, you’re not rejecting the other’s needs but being true to your own. Just as in my ‘Dirty Dancing’ experience, being upfront made it a more enjoyable outing for both me and my wife.However, if you find that your reluctance or lack of enthusiasm persists and becomes a pattern, it may be a symptom of a deeper issue. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult a professional. So, as we navigate the complex waters of personal and professional relationships, it’s vital to remember that authenticity isn’t a one-off act but a consistent practice. Brene Brown puts it eloquently: “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”Let’s make those choices consciously, embracing the opportunities for joy and connection that come with them.