Embrace The Here & Now

The biggest challenge I’ve been trying to work through this week has been more of an internal struggle. I find myself thinking back to the days when life and priorities were easier to manage, and opportunities to train were abundant. Looking back I'm aware of the missed moments and wasted time, but also very aware this is all part of my personal path and journey. I've learned these feelings need to be explored a bit without dwelling on things overly much. I find it helps to recognize the negative feelings happening internally and work through the issue so that I can move on and move forward. 

Forward momentum will naturally look different since the addition of a growing and active pup. There have already been more challenges to work through than expected. In addition to the challenges she also helps to keep me focused and attentive and brings me joy. Km for the year are certainly not going to be a problem with all the daily walks. In the short time she has been a part of my life I’ve already spent more time this winter outside, breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the gently falling snow at night and gazing up at the stars than any previous winter. I’m usually much more of a cocoon inside until spring comes type of person. 

Looking back at missed or under-utilized moments helps me to embrace the here and now. With the change in priorities I have gained much and am learning to make better use of my time and find new solutions. If I step out of my box and maybe do a few things differently I know I can find some new and workable opportunities and maybe even get a bit creative. As Sifu Brinker says - work and train smarter!

Part of my overall goal for this year is to build on my enthusiasm, intentionality and inspiration. And as I write this I’m realizing the struggles, the challenges and opportunities that come my way will all help me to get to where I want to be and am meant to be. 

Transition

Year of the Snake means big changes for me. I'm already somewhat missing not being on the IHC team and at the same time excited for what the year holds for me. After another inspiring and successful Chinese New Year Banquet, I can now focus 100% on the new year.

The word or phrase I have chosen for a theme this year is 'Take Action!' And when reflecting on each day, each week and each month I will ask myself if action was an accurate description. I know there is more I can be accomplishing and I want to find ways to do and be more, both internally and externally. I'm feeling really good about this years theme word as I feel it is going to help me find a better balance of the mental and the physical. 

Farewell Dragon

It’s time to not only say farewell to Year of the Dragon, but also farewell to the IHC team. I’ve very much enjoyed my many years being a part of the team and I know I would not be where I am today without it. I will forever be grateful for the failures, the successes, connections made with fellow students and the growth I've experienced as a result of pushing through personal struggles.

And even though the Year of the Dragon ends today, I have an amazing collection of blogs to look back on detailing my thoughts, my experiences, my journey and a clear direction in which to head. Reading through some of those blogs helps to remind me of how much I'm capable of and what I can accomplish in a short period of time. This record of my journey is a testament to a life being lived purposefully and enjoyed. 

The year of the snake will be an opportunity for me to continue my path of self discovery and embrace who I am as a person and as a martial artist. This will be a year of testing the foundation I have built over the years, and filling the holes and weak areas to strengthen my base. And I look forward to watching, supporting and cheering on the snake team.

Here's to new discoveries and opportunities!

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 40880
Hand form: 504
Weapon form: 580
KM: 1741
AOK: 1431
Sparring: 169
Blogs: 57
Yoga: 24 hrs
Tai Chi: 731
MM:1089

Appreciation!

As the Dragon year draws to a close I have an overwhelming sense of appreciation. 

It was during Thursday nights IHC class I felt a sudden sense of appreciation and team connection. It isn't that I haven't had these feelings before, it just really stood out for me that night. Those feelings continued as we paired up to support, give feedback and learn from each other. It was the individual and combined efforts of all during class that night as we worked towards a common goal, preparing for our annual year end Chinese New Years Banquet. 

As I worked through a sticky part of my form that night I came away with some solutions to work on and a renewed sense of motivation. I had already known what I needed and wanted to work on. What really helped though was talking it out and going through the transitions with someone else observing and giving feedback. Thank you Todai Thelwall!

I experienced a similar sense of appreciation again during the 2nd degree zoom class on Saturday. For me the 2nd degree class is a much needed reminder of perspective, community, connections and how important it is to continue to nurture our foundation. This particular class really helps to keep me grounded and more focused. And it helps to keep me humble as I am reminded of how far I've come and how far I've yet to go and the positive impact we can all have on those around us. 

It is interesting and encouraging to be at a place in my life where I am able to embrace and feel excitement in the effort still needed and in the possibilities of continued self awareness and self improvement. 

*Numbers to follow in a couple of days.

Clarity

When I came across this quote, I was immediately struck by its simplicity, its complexity and its truth. I found it to be very powerful and it provided some additional clarity. 

Reading this quote encourages me to be more mindful and strengthens the bond I already have with Kung Fu. It also encourages me to look deeper at what I may be taking for granted and give mediocrity a shake. I also sense an underlying message of control. Control of our actions, our emotions, our ego and how we react or respond. 

This quote gives me hope and the drive to not carry on blindly, but to actively pursue my training with clarity, purpose and passion. I'm excited for the year ahead and plan to post this on my wall as a daily reminder.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 600/39990
Hand form: 6/498
Weapon form: 13/555
KM: 46/1684
AOK: 29/1393
Sparring: 0/164
Blogs: 1/55 - Adjusted total
Yoga: 30min/24 hrs
Tai Chi: 18/717
MM:23/1060

Phases & New Patterns

There is beauty, truth and much wisdom in the symbolism and meaning of each different coloured belt. Looking back over the years with that symbolism in mind, I see and appreciate my successes and struggles more. And things makes sense. All is as it should be. 

The reason I bring this up is because I’ve been hesitant to quantify my life these past couple of months as struggling. Struggling doesn’t feel quite right and yet I haven’t been able to find a word that accurately describes where I’m at and what I’m feeling. 

Recognizing the symbolism of each belt color and reflecting on my own progression from white to black helps me to have a deeper appreciation of where I started and those natural phases of progression I experienced. I realized this understanding can also help me to navigate this current pattern of life I find myself in. Having a furry four legged friend by my side has been a blessing and a challenge as I try to figure out how, when and where to add in physical training. So much has changed!

This year has marked the beginning of a new phase and life pattern for me. However, I know and appreciate the foundation I've built. With a good solid base I'm simply planting additional seeds, nourishing, expanding my horizons and opening my heart to more. The beauty, the truth and the wisdom will continue to support me in my journey.

Struggle is a part of growth. As that first initial sprout struggles to push itself and emerges from the earth, we begin to see growth and potential. This year has continued to bring reflection, finding ways to nourish existing growth, build new growth and finding ways to adjust to changes as I continue to evolve and find me in the process. So, am I struggling? A little maybe, but also not really, if that makes sense.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 600/39390
Hand form: 4/492
Weapon form: 15/542
KM: 46/1638
AOK: 25/1364
Sparring: 0/164
Blogs: 1/52
Yoga: 30min/23.5 hrs
Tai Chi: 13/699
MM:24/1037

Separate ...Yet Together!

As we transition from one year to the next, I find it challenging to not get distracted by all the shiny newness and possibilities of what the next IHC year holds. I have to remind myself to stay focused and continue putting in the effort required to finish off the current year. It can be easy to feel pulled in multiple directions. This is where blogging and continuing to record my numbers really helps to keep me from falling off the wagon and stay on course. 

When I think about this years goals and next years goals, I realize there is a commonality and cohesion that bonds them all together. They are not completely separate entities. This realization helps me to feel better about the end of one year, the beginning of the next and the merging of both. I'm may be starting anew, but I am not starting from scratch.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 1230/38790
Hand form: 52483
Weapon form: 11/527
KM: 43/1592
AOK: 23/1339
Sparring: 0/164
Blogs: 1/51
Yoga: 30min/23.5 hrs
Tai Chi: 9/686
MM:21/1013