I‘m super excited that we’re getting close to the launch of my book! And I’m happy I can finally reveal the cover and title with you. But first, I’d like to share with you how I chose the title.

Coming up with the title of my book has been daunting. How do you convey a life’s worth of philosophies, joy, pitfalls, confidence, triumphs, leadership lessons, self exploration, self confidence, and inspiration all in a simple title? I suppose that’s what the pages inside the cover are for. Still… I wanted to make sure the title hinted at those things and also let the reader know this book isn’t just about gymnastics; even though the book is about taking control of your life from the perspective of a professional ballerina turned gymnastics coach. So how did I come up with the title and what does it mean?

Well.. to be honest I didn’t come up with the title, at least not intentionally. My publisher, Hachette, reminded me of my own phrase in the book, “Life is short, don’t wait to dance.” At first I reluctantly agreed, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense.

Dance is a metaphor for whatever you want to do in life that gives voice to your soul and makes your heart sing. Then came the Aha moment that made me realize this was indeed, the perfect title. 
 
I tell a story in the book about my mentor, legendary coach John Wooden that gave me the revelation.

Coach Wooden lived an impeccable life, and yet in his later years, whenever he was asked if he had any regrets he would always say, “My wife, Nellie, loved to dance, and yet I never danced with her because I was shy and did not think I was a good dancer.” Looking back, he realized that he should have made a different choice because it would have made Nellie—and thus, him— happy. No one would have cared if he were a good dancer or not.

Anyone watching would have seen a couple who had met in high school and remained very much in love throughout their 52-year marriage. I heard him solemnly mention many times, “My biggest regret is that I didn’t dance with my wife.”

 
Aha! That was it, “Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance.” Up until then, I hadn’t correlated his story to the title. It was serendipitous. It was providence. This needed to be the title of the book as an homage to Coach Wooden.

Hopefully the call to action with this title is, “What is your personal dance and do you make sure to enjoy it everyday?”
 
I have learned throughout various stages of my life, as you will read, to embrace the sentiment of the book title. Think about and figure out what you want to do and then choose to do it. Live your life with no regrets… and don’t wait to do that which makes your heart sing, because life is short.
 
P.S. (or post shameless) plug: “Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance” is available now for pre-order!

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