Mover Monday: Janet Rodenhouse
Hey Movers! It’s Sarah here! As the Moved LA founder, I have been incredibly inspired by so many people, including all of the movers we’ve featured here, but today really takes the cake. This person has been an inspiration, role model, best friend, and partner in crime for literally as long as I can remember. Her strength, passion, creativity, and flair for life and fun have all contributed to who I am, and in essence, what Moved LA is all about! Even with some of her recent physical set backs in the form of late onset muscular dystrophy, she continues to push forward, and constantly celebrate the little bits of beauty and fun in everyday life. This week’s Monday mover is my mom, Janet Rodenhouse.
Moved LA: How would you describe yourself?
Janet: Describing myself proves more difficult than I would have thought! First and foremost, I value my life partner of almost 50 years and our children and grandchildren. I am thankful for all of our family and close friends and for a life full of extraordinary experiences! I believe I am kind, considerate of others and nonjudgmental. Perhaps I am a little too much of a perfectionist and probably thought of as having OCD tendencies by my family! I love to work at whatever it is that needs to be done and do appreciate some quiet time to myself occasionally. I am proud of my artistic accomplishments but still wish I had stuck with learning to play a musical instrument! Being a good, dependable friend is very important to me.
Moved LA: Who is your role model and why?
Janet: My mother, Mary Mikel, is my role model. At 93 years of age she still actively seeks to learn and better herself. She moved into a senior community a few years ago and she is loving making new friends and trying new activities. The thing I admire most about her is her talent with writing. She will say that she loves “words” and she appreciates the power they have in helping her concisely put her thoughts and memories down on paper. Over the years she has written poems and they are always clever, moving and inspirational. I can honestly say that my mother is one of my best friends!
Moved LA: What are your top 3 favorite things to do when you need to relax or have fun?
Janet: Moving to music that I feel in my soul is absolutely my favorite way to unwind and recharge my self!! Ever since I was a young girl , I have been unable to sit still when almost any type of music is playing. I definitely always dance like no one is watching!! A number of years ago I discovered the joy of gardening! I could spend every hour of daylight on a beautiful day working in a garden! I find it extremely relaxing ...even pulling weeds! Standing back to take in the beauty of the result takes my breath away! I believe it is a form of artistic expression in which the plants and flowers are always changing and interacting in different ways! Since it’s not always a beautiful weather day, I also enjoy arts and crafts projects. I dabble mostly in mosaics and fused glass but can lose myself in almost any creative project that captures my attention to detail.
Moved LA: What inspires or motivates you?
Janet: Growing up in a large family certainly helped shape the person I am. I find that being productive is an absolute must for me daily. I am motivated to complete what I start and always strive to be in control of my environment rather than the other way around!!
The beauty of nature inspires me. I have had the good fortune of living many years on Keuka Lake in upstate NY. For me it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the most amazing place to come home to! Thankfully travel has played a big part in my life as well and the people and places I encountered have enriched me in many ways.
Moved LA: How does taking a Moved LA workshop make you feel?
Janet: While I love to dance I did not have the opportunity growing up to have formal training. Now at age 65, I am happy to have a chance to participate in Moved LA workshops! Prior to the restrictions of the past year, I participated in person! Being in a large open space with other participants and interacting with creative movement was the best!! Talk about laughter!! The great thing is that even though we were were all different in many ways, we could all participate in a way that was comfortable and meaningful for ourselves. No judgements just positive energy! I inherited a form of late onset muscular dystrophy and it progressively affects my balance and physical abilities. Moved LA gives me a way to still move to music that is physically enjoyable but also mentally and emotionally supportive. Free to be me!!!
Moved LA: If you could give everyone one piece of advice about living with more intention, what would it be?
Janet: My advice to live more intentionally is to not give in to your insecurities. So many times in my 65 years I would hold myself back from doing something. The times I would overcome my insecurities and go for it almost always were so worth it!!
