Years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Hillary Clinton speak to a small group. She spoke at length, both eloquently and articulately, about education. She stood behind a podium, without one time looking down, where she surely had notes. Not once. Now I wonder if she even had notes. Who does that?

I have always admired those who can speak off-the-cuff in public, specifically those that do so in a coherent and entertaining way. For whatever and all kinds of reasons, this particular talent seems like magic to me. It doesn’t have to be from behind a podium with rows of folding chairs in front of me. I have trouble at a dinner out with more than 4 people.

And I try. I’ve tried my whole life. For many years the social lubricant of alcohol was my go-to assistant, until she failed miserably and was fired for life. Now, back at the dinner party, my words, in my minds-eye at least, seem to hang in the air like an unfunny cartoon bubble. I am overtly aware that everyone must be wondering why this supposed writer can’t seem to participate in legitimate discourse. But, this is not about social anxiety, this is about expression, and how we can express ourselves in many ways, besides verbally. We just have to find what feels right and is most comfortable for us, regardless of societal expectations.

I began dance lessons at age 6. I started writing at about age 12. My discovery of these 2 forms of expression, and the freedom they gave me, changed my life. Movement played a huge part in that expression, since our minds and bodies keep up a constant banter. I think the stories of who we are live in our bodies, and will find their way out, one way or the other.

We all find our preferred modes of expression, from tattoos to topiary artists. Mine happened to end up being ballet (now teaching) and writing. And while they may seem totally different creatures from the outside, they share a most important end result for me, which is the ability to communicate both with myself, and with the outside world. I most definitely won’t be the one to pop up with the champagne glass and a spontaneous heartfelt toast anytime soon, and that’s okay. I know what works for me. I know what I love and how to express it. And I don’t need any notes for that.