If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy

My name is Deborah Zupancic and I am a Fanilow.

Not just any Fanilow. It is quite possible that I am indeed Barry Manilow’s biggest fan, which is why I did not hesitate to purchase suite tickets when I found out he was coming back to perform in Detroit.

This past Friday, I strapped on the most ridiculous pair of shoes I own and headed downtown to the Fox Theater with 11 other dynamic women for a much needed night of fun.

For over two hours, I sang, danced, screamed, cried, and remembered.

I made a complete spectacle of myself.

Looking back, it was almost as if I was channeling a different woman, a much younger, fun-loving, free-spirited woman who hasn’t come out to play in a very long time.

Five days later (now that the pulsating leg cramps have disappeared and I finally have feeling in my toes), I still feel rejuvenated.

As moms, we often get lost in the day-to-day shuffle of motherhood. We spend so much of our time doing for others that we often neglect ourselves and our own desires.

More than once in my life, I have lost the true essence of who I am. This past Friday was a reminder of how wonderful it feels to have full, self-absorbed “me time.”

There is an old saying that says, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

How true it is.

For some, happiness can be found in a candlelight bubble bath. For others, maybe it’s reading a book or a yoga session.

For me, it was singing “Copacabana” at the top of my lungs while jumping up and down like a Manilow-maniac.

Regardless of where your happy place may lead you, take the time to visit it regularly. It is so important to have that special time to reconnect with your inner self.

You’ve earned it. You deserve it.

You’ll be glad you did.

My name is Deborah Zupancic and I am a Fanilow. He makes me happy!