05/26/2026
One of my Zumba participants said something to me today that really stuck with me. She said, “Joan, it’s like you’re everywhere right now.”
And honestly, I’m always a little taken aback when people say that, because in my mind, I’ve always BEEN everywhere. I’ve always been involved. I’ve always had my hands in music, movement, teaching, community events, helping people, organizing things, and just showing up wherever I can.
But I guess what’s different now is that people are really SEEING me again. My presence is being felt more publicly again, and maybe there was a time when some people thought I had stepped away or faded into the background a little. I don’t know why people thought that, but I’m realizing lately that people are noticing me in a very visible way again.
And truthfully? I love it.
I love being involved in my community. I love seeing people. I love creating spaces where people can move, laugh, dance, sing, connect, exercise, and feel good about themselves. Whether it’s fitness, dance, Zumba, line dancing, voice, music, my band SIVLE, the Brantford Cabaret, running events, community events, or just encouraging someone who needs it, that’s who I am.
I bump into people everywhere lately — the mall, Tim Hortons, community events — and they all say the same thing:
“Joan, you’re everywhere.”
“You’re doing everything.”
And maybe they’re right.
My motto has always been: say no to nothing.
Not in a reckless way, but in a life-embracing way.
I say yes to connection.
I say yes to creativity.
I say yes to movement.
I say yes to helping.
I say yes to participation.
I say yes to community.
I’m not politically minded, and I’ve never had aspirations of politics, but I do believe deeply in serving my community in the ways I know how. Some people serve from council chambers. I serve from dance floors, microphones, classrooms, church halls, walking groups, fitness studios, stages, and community spaces.
And that matters too.
The beautiful thing is, to me, this is just my life. I’m just being Joan. But when people stop me and say they see me everywhere, I realize maybe what they’re really saying is:
“Your presence is being felt.”
And that’s a pretty beautiful thing.