Tiffany McKinney

They even had to lower that hoop down one foot just for me.

But let me tell you something.

By the time I pulled all 230 pounds up on that little metal hoop, the entire class was cheering for me, including the instructor.

I almost cried.

I was so excited.

So I just, I had my moment.

I took it.

I closed my eyes and I leaned back and I pictured myself in this sparkly leotard.

And when I opened my eyes, the little instructor is standing there.

He's like, you want me to take your picture?

No, sir.

I know this is not look like anything like what it does in my head.

Just leave me be.

So needless to say, life is still not what I expected it to be.

It's still messy, it's still hard.

I still have to be reminded that this is my story and I get to walk it out however I choose.

But I know how to find joy even in the hard things.

And while I finished that six week class, I did not return to the circus.

Instead of hoping for a sparkly leotard, I just went to Target and bought one.