Phi Theta Kappa

When I look back at my first year in the I Ho Chuan ("year of the sheep"), I really believe that being part of the team was a huge catalyst for many important changes in my life. Resigning from a long term management position that was no longer serving me or my son and going back to school full time were two of the biggest life changes for me during the "year of the sheep". The journey and the paths I choose were difficult and there were times when I really struggled with certain areas of higher education and the whole learning process. Adding in a lack of computer knowledge and a 52 year old brain to the mix, made it all that much more exciting and challenging. I managed to finish off the travel program with a G.P.A. of 4.0, much to my surprise and delight. Hard work, sweat, tears, perseverance, trust and knowing when to ask for help is what got me to the finish line. No blood though, just the odd paper cut! Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

I was surprised to received a letter this week, informing me that I have been selected for membership in the Alpha Tau Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, due to my outstanding academic record. Wow! According to the letter, membership in Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as one of the highest honours a college student can receive. I have read and reread the letter as I process what a great achievement this offer of membership signifies.

Just like earning a black belt, I know that even though I have completed my studies and graduated, my education has only just begun. There is so much more for me to experience and continue learning as I expand my knowledge in the travel industry. I now have a good solid base just like we learn in our  Kung Fu training. A few of the reasons I love the travel industry are the vast amount of learning and ongoing knowledge required for this business and it's ability to connect each and everyone of us in a global world. I am also learning how relevant Kung fu really is to all aspects of our lives!

Michele Ward

Weapon of Choice

So, cane is my weapon of choice this year. Not the most exciting weapon and not a weapon I would of chosen a year ago, but the creative side of my brain had been playing with an idea. That idea started with a cane and then it expands! But first I needed to start with a basic cane. I had not given much thought to what that cane was going to look like. Something basic, just a tool to learn proper technique and handling of the weapon. As soon as I saw the cane that I now own, I knew it was the one for me. Hand made by out of ash wood and carved from top to bottom. It is a beautiful cane! Who would have thought I could be so excited about a cane?

Now this is where the work comes in! I need to take that excitement that I feel and transition it into an amazing form. The cane is heavier than I had expected, especially with all the repetitions necessary to learn the strikes, the blocks and to become comfortable with the weapon. I also have difficulty processing and learning anything new quickly. I have discovered early on that taking notes and repetition is necessary for me in order to remember new forms and concepts. I am also looking forward to learning more about the cane, as I have discovered there is quite a bit of interesting information and history regarding this weapon.

 Learning to handle a weapon properly requires a lot of time, patience and practice. Becoming familiar with the weapon, how it feels in your hands and the correct technique associated with it is key to being able to handle the weapon with skill and to create your own form. The more a person works with a weapon, the more it becomes an extension of themselves. I plan to and will dig deep, practice, dig some more, and practice, practice, practice!    

Michele Ward
                         

The Squirrel Effect

Zoom... we're off!!!

There is a great deal of energy, excitement and some apprehension when starting something new. We are easily caught up in the bright shiny new goals!

I have a tendency to just wing it! Conscious goal setting and planning is not something I excel at. A certain amount of planning occurs initially, but whatever happens after that is a mystery. Stuff does get done and some goals are achieved, because when I'm not being lazy, I'm doing. Maybe that's the squirrel effect?

Week one felt pretty good and I was happy with my progress. I've made adjustments and I took advantage of small blocks of time whenever possible. Working 6 or 7 days a week and up to 12 hours a day requires me to find and take advantage of any opportunity to work on the requirements. There is still room for improvement but all in all a good start.


After our fist team meeting I quickly realized I am missing pieces of the puzzle. More thought and planning needs to happen in order to be successful in building numbers and checking off all the boxes. Some of the requirements had been filed away and had not been given much thought or planning at all. I was focused on the more manageable requirements (the bright shiny objects) and the others faded into the background. Everything will work itself out. Won't it? The list of goals and requirements is extensive and if I think about every one of them it's very easy to dart about from here to there... getting distracted, overwhelmed and loosing track of the less bright and shiny, but still necessary requirements.

Goal setting and planning is not one of my personal goals this year and to be perfectly honest I don't actually embrace the process either, yet I foresee it to be a natural outcome throughout this "Year of the Rooster."



  Michele Ward






   

Expanding The Bubble

I was having a conversation earlier in the week with a good friend of mine. While discussing a number of different topics and how busy my life has been and will continue to be, I mentioned that I had also joined the I Ho Chuan team again this year. She was a bit surprised and questioned whether or not that was a good idea at this time with every thing else going on in my life. My response was ... Yes, absolutely, it's good for me!!

What makes being part of the I Ho Chuan so great?

Being a member of the I Ho Chuan pushes me to expand my bubble and step out of my comfort zone. It is definitely much easier to be a member of the coach potato family, but not nearly as rewarding. I have realized how much more can be added into my busy schedule as I work the requirements into each day. The I Ho Chuan requires action and without action we would not be able to produce any kind of forward momentum. It teaches us how to make adjustments to our busy schedules and adapt to unexpected life events that get thrown at us from time to time as well. Challenges and success are shared by all. The support we get from Sifu Brinker and all of the members of the team is the glue that binds us together and makes us stronger.

I become a better version of myself! A stronger relationship with myself and everyone around me develops as a result.

Here's to an exciting and challenging year of the rooster!!

Michele Ward 

The Ability to Move Forward

The ability to move forward requires action!

I’ve come to realize though, that taking action does not always move us forward in the direction and time line that we set for ourselves. I was provided with two separate lessons over the summer months. The first was with regards to completing my practicum for college. The process was much more difficult than I had anticipated, due to a number of factors not in my control. I persevered, found a placement and learned much throughout the process.

The second lesson was in regards to my kung fu training and a goal that I had set for myself. I set a goal, made a plan and even made adjustments along the way as needed. I took action and I worked hard towards that goal, but all that time and effort did not bring about the desired results. I became frustrated and disappointed in the process and in myself. The frustration and disappointment became a mental barrier leading to inaction. Even though I was able to understand the mental barriers causing the lack of continued action, I became stuck and developed a poor attitude.

So, what was the difference between both lessons? Why did I have success with one and not the other?

 The first lesson caused frustration and was stressful, but it was also something that needed to be completed and therefore had more urgency attached to it. Taking a week away from the situation to rest and regroup during that time was also helpful.  The need for perseverance created continued action, which helped me to achieve my goal in the end. My goal of finding an agency to complete my practicum was achieved even though the outcome and time line was different than originally planned.

The second lesson is still a work in progress. I have gained some perspective in regards to my training and I know that everything happens as it is meant to be. One thing I have learned is that sometimes moving forward is about recognizing accomplishments in yourself even if they are not recognized or rewarded by others.  I also learned If there is someone other than yourself involved in the outcome of your goal then that person should be included to some extent when making your plan. I know that all my extra effort and training has benefits even if my goal was not accomplished. My attitude has improved somewhat, but I am still feeling a bit stuck and I am resigned to just going with the flow. I’m not sure that is the best attitude to have, but given my very busy schedule these days, my energy is being directed elsewhere. So that is where I’m at right now.  

Understanding the hidden lessons along the way as well as hard work and patience are key to moving forward. Forward momentum is not always clearly visible and mental barriers can cause us to stop altogether. With this experience and knowledge, I will strive to take action, so that I may continue to move in a forward direction.  

Michele Ward

Risk Being Seen

I recently watched the following Jim Carrey Video, which I thought was important to share with everyone.  It is one of those messages that can be and should be heard numerous times. The opening sentence really grabbed my attention and spoke to me personally.

"Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world!"


Enjoy!

Michele Ward


https://www.facebook.com/goalcast/videos/1018122328264957/

Gratitude Challlenge

    How often do I complain about something, or someone, rather than expressing gratitude or praise?     The answer is ... all too often!

    Complaining about what we don't have, or about something not working the way we want, instead       of expressing gratitude, keeps us in a negative frame of mind and lessens our enjoyment of life.

    This year my summer is not going to be "much to short," instead it will be expressed with nothing       but gratitude and appreciation!!

    Although I consider myself to be a positive person there is always room for improvement. So I am     challenging myself and everyone reading this to be conscious and aware of their words and                 actions. Going forward I will endeavour to think and speak with gratitude, encouragement and             praise.


    Michele Ward

To honor vacation season, and avoid filling up your mailbox (as well as give us extra