“Empowerment at 43: My Journey Through Pole Dancing”

Being in my 40s has been a pivotal moment in my life. Im now 43 and I have decided to take up some new challenges that I have had on my goals sheet for some time. I have decided to start taking a pole dancing class. This has become an integral part of that journey—both physically and on a soul level. It’s not just about learning to climb the pole or mastering spins ( even though Im trying to master how to slow down my spins) , but about pushing my limits, becoming stronger, and realizing that this journey has been exactly what I needed for my soul’s growth. 

The Physical Challenge, Let me start with the physical aspect. Learning pole dance at 43 is no easy feat. My body doesn’t bounce back as quickly as it did in my twenties ( oh God how I remember being out at the club dancing and then still get to work on time… mother my kids and some how have the energy for more), and every session feels like a test of strength, balance, and endurance.

The soreness after each class is a reminder of the muscles I never even knew I had. But as grueling as it can be, every time I grip that pole and attempt a new move, I feel myself growing—physically and mentally. Pole dancing is about strength, and building that strength at this stage in life has given me a new perspective on what it means to push myself.

It’s not about perfection or competing with anyone else; it’s about seeing how much I can challenge myself. That feeling of holding your own weight, even for a few seconds, is exhilarating. It teaches you that you’re stronger than you think, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. The bruises that come with this new dance are ones I know will eventually not show up. The burning feeling as the pole and skin go against one another wont be so evident once the skin starts to toughen more.

The Soul Journey On a soul level, this experience has been nothing short of transformation. For me, pole dancing is a form of self-expression that goes beyond just movement—it’s a way to connect with my inner feminine power and sensuality. At 43, I feel a deep sense of freedom in my body that I didn’t always allow myself to embrace when I was younger. There’s something about this stage in life that invites you to break free from societal expectations and just be—without judgment or fear.

The shoes I never thought I would wear.

What surprised me the most is how much I needed this. Pole dancing has become a form of healing for me, allowing me to tap into energy that I’d buried under the weight of responsibilities, stress, and societal pressures. It gives me a space to connect with myself on a deeper level, reclaim my body, and acknowledge the power within me. 

The pole is not just a tool for movement—it has become a symbol of my journey, my resilience, and my freedom. The Social Connection, Then there’s the social aspect. The women in my class have become like a tribe—each of us supporting the other, cheering on every small victory, every hard-earned achievement.

There’s something incredibly empowering about being surrounded by women who understand your journey and push you to be better. We celebrate each other’s progress, no matter how small, and that camaraderie has made a huge difference in my own growth. Being cheered on, and in turn cheering others on, feels like a soul sisterhood. We’re not just there to learn pole tricks, we’re there to witness each other’s strength and growth. That shared experience creates a sense of belonging and empowerment that I hadn’t realized I was missing. In that room, we all become more than just women learning to pole dance; we become a force—fierce, bold, and unapologetic.

The Sacrifices Of course, none of this comes without sacrifice. As a single mother who works a morning shift and does massage and healing sessions in the afternoons, finding time for classes hasn’t been easy. There are days when I am exhausted, my body and mind worn out from balancing work, kids, and taking care of the family dog Rocky. But I carve out time each week for these classes because it’s more than just a workout—it’s my sanctuary.

I’ve had to prioritize this time for myself, I call it my ME TIME…. I let everyone know that I do this for me and I won’t allow things to get in the way of it. Despite the demands of motherhood and work, because it fuels me in a way nothing else does. Sacrifice doesn’t feel like a burden when you know you’re investing in yourself, and for me, that’s exactly what this has been. 

Im the only one who looks in the mirror and pushes me, for me.

 I’ve had to make adjustments, let go of perfectionism, and accept that my time is precious. But the reward is immense. My kids see a mother who is strong, committed to her own well-being, and pursuing something that brings her joy. I’m modeling for them the importance of self-care and the power of following your passions, even when life is busy. So if that even means a nap in the hammock and taking time to rest on the floor after a few dances move as to not burn myself out then that’s what it takes. Also a little pre-workout drink to assist me with energy.

The Freedom of 40s What makes this whole experience even more liberating is the fact that I am doing it at 43. There is something about reaching this age that feels freeing—like I’ve come into my own skin, and I’m finally comfortable in who I am. 

The societal pressures to look or act a certain way no longer weigh me down. Instead, I am fully embracing this chapter of my life, doing what feels right for me, and unapologetically claiming my space in the world. In the pole studio, I am not just a mother or a healer; I am a woman reclaiming her power, her strength, and her sensuality.

Being 43 is about freedom—freedom to explore new passions, freedom to let go of what no longer serves me, and freedom to embrace the woman I have become. This journey has been a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, challenge yourself, and find joy in the process. And pole dancing? It’s become my own personal revolution, one spin at a time.

There are moves I don’t like. However I wont stop till I get them down and a flow.

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