Dancing on My Own Two Feet: A New Life One Step at a Time

by Jenn Todling

An inspirational book club read of one woman's journey of taking the bold step to leave her disabled—and volatile—spouse and moving across the country in search of adventure, tango, and love.At the tender age of twenty, Jenn faces a pivotal moment when her boyfriend, Morey, proposes marriage after only a few weeks of dating. Her intuition urges her to say no, but she's spent the entirety of her teenage years caregiving for family; she yearns for adventure, and she thinks relocating to California with Morey will give her the freedom she craves. So she says yes—only to find herself back in the caregiver role after he becomes disabled a few years into their marriage. But it's Morey's volatile personality that ultimately leads Jenn to make a brave it's time to leave. Dancing on My Own Two Feet takes a poignant turn as Jenn relocates to New York City after her divorce. Here, she rediscovers a long-forgotten passion for dance and embarks on a transformative journey that transcends the physicality of movement. Each dance becomes a channel to tap into her inner wisdom, providing the courage to explore the world and embrace new adventures. Then Jenn encounters Gable, a potential suitor, prompting new questions to arise for Is she better off on her own? Or could Gable be the love and dance partner she's been longing for?

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Jenn Todling is an author, speaker, executive coach, and adjunct instructor at the University of Denver as part of its Frontline Manager Leadership Program. As a retired audit partner at a global Big 4 accounting firm with over twenty years of professional services experience and an ICF-certified transformational leadership coach for over ten years, Jenn helps her clients express their soul in their work. She currently resides near her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, with her husband (and dance partner) and daughter. Dancing on My Own Two Feet is her first book.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such an inspiring memoir. The author tells her story of how she reluctantly accepted a marriage proposal at the young age of 20. After being a caregiver throughout her teens, she wants a new path, and thinks that a move to California with her new husband will give her the freedom she's looking for. After a few years, her husband becomes disabled. And not only that, but he's become a volatile, controlling and manipulative person. She finally decides she needs to leave him and moves to NYC to rediscover her love for dance and traveling the world.

Her story of healing is very emotional and vulnerable. I appreciate her courage and bravery of leaving a toxic situation, and starting a completely new life path to self discovery and that is such a hard thing to do.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Dancing On My Own Two Feet
AUTHOR: Jenn Todling
PUB DATE: 04.29.2025

An inspirational book club read of one woman’s journey of taking the bold step to leave her disabled—and volatile—spouse and moving across the country in search of adventure, tango, and love.

THOUGHTS:

Have you ever thought about just dropping everything, and for once just thinking about yourself above all others, in pursuit of happiness and passion? Jenn Todling did just that.

Reading Dancing On My Own Two Feet was so inspiring and relatable. It is so beautifully written that I am sure many will find it joyful and hopeful, as I did.

If you enjoy a wonderful story about dance, travel, and self discovery, be sure to check this book out!

#DancingOnMyOwnTwoFeet
#memoir #biography #jenntodling

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir in which Jenn takes us on a journey from a 20 year-old newly married woman through her life after divorce and how dancing (or lack of) was a pivotal part during each phase.

There was also a lot of travel that Jen does as a solo traveler which I absolutely loved. I also love how she combined her description of dance with the healing of her soul.

A quick read and an interesting memoir.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible heartfelt memoir. After only a few weeks of dating at the age of twenty Jenn is taken by surprised when her boyfriend Morey proposes. Her head says no, but spending her childhood as the caretaker for her family, she feels this is her way out, she thinks relocating to California with Morey is the start of a new adventure. Morey becomes disabled a few years into their marriage and she finds herself taking on the caretaker told again. To Jenns shock Moreys personality changes and he becomes volatile. This ultimately leads Jenn to make a brave decision it’s time to leave. Jenn relocates to New York City after her divorce and finds her long time passion of dancing again. Each dance becomes a channel to tap into her inner wisdom, providing the courage to explore the world and embrace new adventures. When a potential suitor named Gable makes her question herself is he the dance partner she’s been longing for?

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my partners, Suzy Approved Book Tours and She Writes Press, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐆𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 • Boy, this one sure starts out with the notion that if something doesn’t feel right, don’t go through with it! Never let anyone guilt you into making decisions in life. I feel like this always tends to be a lesson that is learned after the fact.

2. 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 • How important it is to maintain your own sense of sanity in this one trip we have on this Earth. After Jenn found herself stuck, it was like climbing out of quicksand to fight her way out. Deep down, she always knew she needed to find that path, though!

3. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 • This. I am a firm believer in seeing the places in the world that you want to. I love that Jenn was finally able to dance herself around the world! I could feel how freeing it was for her!

4. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 • Generally, you don’t find your ‘soul equal’ on your first try. And yet, it is so easy to feel like it must be it. I could feel some of myself in how stuck Jenn felt in her marriage to Morey. And it’s not easy to get out. The fight is often real!

5. 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 • A testament to finding that thing that brings you joy in your life. Once Jenn was able to embrace her love for dancing, she began living her life. And it doesn’t matter how far into life one is. Pursue it and do it!

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is a testimony to resilience of the human spirit to transcend limiting roles and achieve authentic expression. Kudos to the author for her courage in her journey to wholeness.

The book leads us through Jenn’s transformational process as she takes on the caretaker role of her siblings and then reluctantly enters a marriage at age 20 that repeats that patterned behavior with a disabled spouse. After enduring ten years of this soulless relationship with a controlling and manipulative husband (all the while creating a successful career as the sole breadwinner), she breaks free and moves to New York City. Here Jenn rediscovers her passion for dancing and travel. The descriptions of her experiences are highly evocative and inspiring. As with most healing journeys, this one has its highs and lows, but the overall forward momentum kept me engaged and rooting for her success.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Amy Shook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing on My Own Two Feet by Jenn Todling is a powerful memoir about losing yourself—and then finding your way back through courage, creativity, and dance.
At just twenty years old, Jenn accepts a marriage proposal that feels more like an escape than a dream. After years of stepping into a caretaker role for her younger siblings following her parents’ divorce, the chance to start a new life with Morey in Southern California feels like the fresh start she needs. But soon, it becomes clear she’s traded one kind of caretaking for another.
When Morey’s health declines, Jenn finds herself stuck again—this time in a marriage filled with emotional manipulation and growing resentment. Her world shrinks as she puts her own needs on hold, working from home and becoming his full-time caregiver. It’s only through therapy that she finally finds the strength to reclaim her independence.
Her move to New York marks a fresh chapter—one where she rediscovers her love for dance and, more importantly, herself.
My thoughts:
This was a quick but emotional read (under 200 pages), and I found myself rooting hard for Jenn. My inner mom instinct wanted to jump into the pages and tell her to run from Morey early on. Her journey is frustrating at times, but ultimately rewarding. The transformation she undergoes—especially when she returns to dance—is inspiring and honest.
If you love memoirs about starting over, self-worth, and reclaiming joy through creative expression, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dancing on My Two Feet, A New Life One Step at a Time” by Jenn Todling is a captivating and intriguing memoir. This was a fast moving and thought-provoking novel. I believe that music, art and dance all add to the literary experience, and I love that Jenn Todling shares her emotional growth and personal growth through the medium of dance. The author has been a caretaker throughout her life, first with her sisters, and then with a husband. The husband, Morley became disabled and absorbed all of Jenn’s creative energy, by manipulating, criticizing, and belittling her. Jenn was a successful CPA, but found that dance was her creative force. It was wonderful to read the author’s journey to emotional happiness and growth. I highly recommend this entertaining novel.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @jenntodling @shewritespress
and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted book and this is my honest review.

DANCING ON MY OWN TWO FEET is written with such honesty as she takes us on the emotional journey of her life. After her parents divorce, she was the caregiver for her younger siblings. At a young age she enters into a violtile marriage when her husband becomes disabled.

Jenn was not used to setting boundaries and asking for what she needed. Dance always made Jenn feel in control and at peace. She eventually finds the courage to leave her husband. She moves to New York and rediscovers her love of dance and travel. I enjoyed following her journey. Her memoir is inspirational and a testament that your dreams can come true.

[Karina Wenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure this book would be for me as I'm not really into dancing (especially not ballroom). But Dancing on My Own Two Feet completely won me over. While dancing provides the structure, the real story is about rediscovering your passion, finding your way back to yourself, and learning to trust your own voice again.

Jenn Todling’s journey is inspiring, and I loved how honestly she shared her experiences. Her travel stories added a really fun layer to the book, and I admired the way she pushed herself out of her comfort zone in so many ways.

I highly recommend this book. It’s heartfelt, uplifting, and a reminder of the power of putting your dreams to paper, even when your current situation feels hopeless.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, raw, and full of hope—Dancing on My Own Two Feet is a memoir that moved me deeply. After years of caregiving and a young, toxic marriage, Jenn finds the courage to start over. Her journey from heartbreak to healing—through dance, travel, and self-discovery—is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your joy.

If you love emotional memoirs about second chances, personal growth, and finding your voice, don’t miss this one.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful memoir filled with inspiration to do what gives you life and follow your dreams. Jenn had a challenging number of years and candidly shares her experiences with us as first she leaves her role in the family as caregiver, and then escapes her abusive disabled husband. The inner strength she summons to find her own path and return to dance is admirable and I enjoyed reading about her journey.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn’s memoir was really inspirational for me. I developed a great deal of respect for her for many reasons - - her bravery to choose a healthier path forward, her courage to move across the country for new jobs, her passion for dancing and her love of exploring new places. Highly recommend this one!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about stories of new beginnings and self-discovery that always draw me in, and 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝘆 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘁 is both powerful and inspiring.

It’s a moving story about starting over, and how dance and travel become tools for healing, growth, and transformation. Jenn’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your life—and to find joy in the process.

[Sally McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flew through this book~ enjoying the dancing as therapy theme and the opportunity to see the author grow from not trusting herself and trapped in caretaking to finding freedom by learning to prioritize herself and seize joy through travel and dance.

[Erica Hurtt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and fun! I loved learning about the different dances and how they impacted the author's journey from self doubt to confidence. The book is packed with a lot of great life lessons told in a compelling narrative.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt and captivating journey

This book touched me deeply. The author shares her story with such honesty and emotional depth that I found myself walking alongside her every step of the way. Her writing is vulnerable, intimate, and engaging, drawing me in from the first page. Each chapter unfolded with purpose and grace, leaving me not only moved but eager to see what came next. A truly beautiful and inspiring read—I didn’t want it to end.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I connected with Jenn in different ways. Her people pleasing tendency at the beginning was something that I can relate to. I loved the role that dance played in her life and the courage it took to pursue it on her own. To sign up for classes when you don’t know anyone is something I always struggle with so I loved seeing her take that leap. It is a great reminder that it is never too late to make changes in your life.

Thank you @jenntodling @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Teri M Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing on My Own Two Feet is a memoir by Jenn Todling. Although we meet Jenn as a child, the bulk of the story begins when she decides to get married as a freshman in college and concludes when she finally discovers how to stay true to herself. I love a memoir that shows a woman who gains confidence in herself and learns how to ask for what she needs - and Dancing on My Own Two Feet delivers.

Jenn explores relationships - what makes them good, what makes them not-so-good, and what is needed to stay in one to work through the tough times. She also looks at the caregiver role women often find themselves in, self-care, emotional abuse, and even the idea of a soulmate and whether such a thing really exists.

Throughout it all, Jenn talks about dancing and traveling - two of her passions she almost let go in order to appease. I enjoyed seeing both through her eyes and how her experiences changed as she became more confident in herself. Add this to your TBR!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extremely unique quasi coming-of-age story. This deeply vulnerable memoir gives you a look into Jenn Todling’s twenties and thirties. She takes the reader through the struggles during her volatile first marriage and her shaky trust of self, to finding solace in traveling the world, to dance becoming the common thread that helped shape her into her strong and empowered self.

Jenn’s journey is a bold reminder of the growing pains we all endure when learning to trust, and voice, those inner gut feelings that we know to be true and the beauty that flourishes when you can finally honor them. An incredibly vulnerable read that sparks deep reflection and a refreshing take on a memoir. I absolutely recommend!

[Kimberly Stazyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book! While the experiences outlined by the author were unique to her, the book was written in a way that was so relatable, bringing me right back to some of the same feelings and challenges that I encountered in my earlier adult life. This book challenged me to look at my own life, consider what I really want, and make meaningful changes. I'm hoping for more from this author, as I felt fully invested in her journey when I finished the book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading 'Dancing on My Own Two Feet' on July 29, 2025. Despite the language barrier (English is not my native language) and my limited English proficiency, and dance not being one of my preferences, I couldn't stop reading it (I finished reading it today). I became increasingly interested and enthusiastic about the memories of someone I met in NYC about 10 years ago.
Among many other impressions, the book is overwhelmingly honest and vividly detailed. Jenn shares her journey full of obstacles, difficulties, victories, and above all, with optimism and emotion, making it easy to connect and compare with various situations that we all experience in our lives (discoveries, disappointments, joys, travels, progress, dedication, resilience, loneliness, friends, families, crises, redemptions, passions...).

'Dancing on My Own Two Feet' is, for me, an inspiring read that motivates anyone to reflect on their own life and seek paths to overcome obstacles and live a life full of adventures and achievements. I loved the book and eagerly await Part II. Congratulations, Jennifer, totally awesome!

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing on My Own Two Feet is an inspiring memoir that chronicles a young woman's journey from a life of control and abuse to one of liberation and self-discovery. The book begins with Jenny, a young woman eager to explore the world, only to find herself trapped in an abusive marriage. What starts as a promising path veers onto a "side street of controlling abuse," leaving her feeling lost and helpless.

Jenny's eventual escape is a testament to her resilience, with dance serving as both a literal and metaphorical lifeline. The act of dancing becomes her "avenue of freedom," a way to find her own rhythm and music, separate from the suffocating grip of her husband. It's a beautiful metaphor for her quest to reclaim her identity and spirit.

Jenny's story is not just about survival; it's a triumphant first chapter of a new life. Having endured the "gauntlet," she emerges stronger and more courageous, with a new foundation of resilience and self-worth. This memoir is a "wonderful read" that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to fight for their own freedom and find their own two feet.

[Paul P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous read. The story started off a bit slow, but that was foundational information to set the stage. Once she started her attraction to the man she would marry, I was hooked, all the way to the end. This is a very personal, authentic story of how easy it is for the most principled of persons to fall into a trap. The first half of the book reveals her beautifully kind character, as the light of her spirit progressively diminishes. I suspect many a reader will identify with her experiences. The second half of the book is her adventures in nurturing her spirit and self back to health. This book gave me insights as to how and why an individual cannot just "walk away" from a dysfunctional relationship. It shows the arduous process of going from ignored and under-valued, to finally "being seen." Very touching story that left me appreciative of her long journey.

[Lindsay Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

If dancing is a big part of your life, or if you enjoy real life accounts of how someone escaped from a toxic situation – this book is definitely for you! It’s the story of how a woman overcame hardship through dance and the connections that it fostered. Jenn’s writing is easy and fun to read. There were so many relatable feelings of self-doubt that melted through dance, or moments of exploring a new relationship only to realise with sadness that “he was not the one”. I would recommend this book to all those who are ready to be taken on a journey of self-discovery: buckle your dance shoes, turn up the music and read!

[Barbara Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What ride! I feel like I lived through Jenn Toddling's strange yet magnificent journey from trapped, unhappy, and spending all her time trying to please others (even those who refuse to ever be pleased), then on to her ultimate destination of peace, joy and true love. Her details are vivid, like being locked in her bedroom by her angry husband who just stole her passport! And the feelings raw and and real, from painful to exuberant and flooded with love. The dance metaphor is perfect for how you will feel as you read this. It is a book that will stay with you, and remind you to keep dancing to the music that brings you joy, no matter what!!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt and courageous memoir of a woman who, after years of caring for others, uses dancing as a method of healing.

Jenn’s story is encouraging, powerful, and inspiring. It is important to be aware of toxic relationships and how we self-sabotage and put others before ourselves in an unhealthy manner. Jenn’s journey is a great example of how we can break free and follow our own dreams. I loved her passion for dance, travel, and seeing what life would bring her next.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jenntodling for the gifted book.

[Jill Sager · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s the emotional fallout from being in a toxic relationship, and what does it take to recover? In Dancing on My Own Two Feet, author Toddling takes us on that journey as she rediscovers who she is through the things she loves. Toddling’s story, filled with romance, travel, and dance, demonstrates that despite fear, heartache, and self-doubt, she was able to transform her life for the better. This memoir is an inspiring read, one that allows the reader to contemplate how we too might find the courage to take risks that enable us to have a more fulfilled life.

[Megan Walrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dancing on My Own Two Feet" is such an intimate, brave story of one woman’s journey from feeling trapped to discovering her own agency. Dance becomes her lifeline - to her truth, her full expression, her joy, and ultimately her freedom to create a life on her own terms. Whether or not you dance, if you enjoy true stories of women overcoming challenges and reclaiming themselves, this memoir will move you and stay with you long after the last page.

[Alessandro Ferdico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir feels like being led through someone’s life one dance step at a time. You witness heartbreak, confinement, and doubt slowly transform into courage, grace, and freedom. What moved me most was how dance becomes both her language and her lifeline, a way to reclaim her voice and her power. It’s a story that reminds us how beauty can rise from pain, and how movement can become healing when words fall short.