Maintenance

 This past week I focused on maintaining. This time of year is busy for most everyone. It’s also the time of year that people are running out of time quickly to get things done by the end of the calendar year that need to be done. This causes some chaos in my life lol. Not only am I trying to get everything done for Christmas, but also fitting time in my calendar at work to make sure everyone’s requests/needs are completed. 

This quickly leads to exhaustion, being run down, and usually ending up not feeling well. It also becomes very easy to let my other priorities slide. I’ve focused on maintaining my goals and requirements, and haven’t put a lot of extra energy into surpassing this week. My attention and energy has been needed elsewhere, which is normal for this time of year. I am proud of myself for keeping my other priorities in front of me, as I haven’t always been successful with that. 

I do have some time off between Christmas and new years for the first time this year. I plan to take advantage of some R&R as well as focus on the things that had been pushed aside for a bit. 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season 🎄

Push ups- 33,150

Sit ups - 33,125

Form reps - Hand 600 Weapon 585

AOK’s - 1552

Sparring (modified) - 880

KM’s - 1582

Blogs - 49

Finding the Sweet Spot

 Now that we potentially have our music for our New Year demo, it’s time to find the sweet spot of my weapon form. Initially I was starting at the beginning with the bow, but I always find that takes up precious seconds, and I wasn’t happy with it at all. I worked on breaking down the form to find a good starting point that also showcases some moves in the form. 

I’m happy with what I’ve chosen, and now need to work on my section of the music to find the right rhythm to match the pace and beat of the music. 

I love this time of year, but also need to be mindful to keep practicing my whole form, not just a section I’m trying to showcase 

Push ups- 32,550

Sit ups - 32,525

Form reps - Hand 595 Weapon 570

AOK’s - 1520

Sparring (modified) - 880

KM’s - 1544

Blogs - 48

Pushing Limits

 Tuesdays class was another reminder of pushing limits. I’ve not kicked bags with force as of yet, part fear for further injury, part feeling of where I am at. It doesn’t necessarily stop me from pushing limits, but rather attempt with more caution. All was going fairly well until I twisted the wrong way. Instant pain, instant swelling. A bit of bruising followed. I quickly grabbed an ice pack, and sat for 10 minutes, also took an Aleve for the first time in a long time. But, the next morning the swelling and pain had mostly subsided. I’ll take that as progress, and a win. 

I have to be mindful of when I am actively pushing my limits, and when I am letting fear hold me back. While I don’t want to injure again and cause another surgery, I also want to continue to progress. I’ve even starting kneeling on a pillow and can hold that for a couple of minutes. It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a year, and there are still some things that are baby steps. Keep it in front of me, and look where I’ve come, that is what I try to focus on.

Push ups- 31,800

Sit ups - 31,750

Form reps - Hand 585 Weapon 535

AOK’s - 1505

Sparring (modified) - 870

KM’s - 1511

Blogs - 47

Giving Season

 While I do giving projects throughout the year, this is my favorite time of year to bring joy to others. I’m excited to be the final group of the Kinsmen toy drive today, and looking forward to hearing the success it produced. I also do the toy drive for the Kinette’s at work, and we have already collected quite a bit. 

This time of year can be more difficult for some, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy bringing others together to give back, and be generous to others, especially at this time of year. It is not about what we can afford, but about the kindness shown to others. Kindness is a part of my everyday life, but due to the difficult time of year for some, it’s important to me to do more. 

I challenge the team to be extra kind this month. If you can afford an extra toy or gift for someone, great. If it means bringing joy to someone’s life with a simple gesture, it will mean a lot to them. I challenge you all to be extra mindful, and remember to be grateful for all we have as a team. 

Push ups- 30,985

Sit ups - 30,970

Form reps - Hand 575 Weapon 520

AOK’s - 1480

Sparring (modified) - 860

KM’s - 1479

Blogs - 46

Busy Season Upon Us

Tis the season. Summer and Christmas time are the busiest times of year for myself and our family, as I suppose it is for most. This weekend was the start. Although this weekend’s events weren’t holiday related, the weekend calendar is now booked up until after Christmas. Unlike summer, everything is crammed into a few weeks, which can be even more exhausting. 

It is imperative for me to be be disciplined and keep my priorities in front of me. Some are easier this time of year, as their is more family events going on, but others I have to be mindful of to not let slip away. 

Today was a day to mindful of one of my priorities for this time of year, even though I wasn’t feeling the greatest. It is later than usual, but my Snowbuddies are up and out of their boxes again. It may seem silly, but these little (and some not so little) snowmen bring me a lot of joy, a sense of peace, and most importantly, many happy memories. One of the things I miss the most about putting these out is how excited my father in law would get. Or a message from him if I was a little late in getting it done. Now that is a special memory that goes along with the others. 

Numbers are a little low this week, as I haven’t been feeling 100%

Push ups- 30,135

Sit ups - 30,120

Form reps - Hand 555 Weapon 500

AOK’s - 1435

Sparring (modified) - 845

KM’s - 1441

Blogs - 45

Fall Break

 With Fall break behind us, it is full speed ahead to Chinese New Years. It’s hard to believe how quickly that is sneaking up. Fall break brought a lot of plans, some of which did get done, others not. But it did bring lots of family time, and some relaxation. I find from now until after Christmas, life gets very busy, so it was nice to take a bit of time to get some down time in. 

It has been great to work as a team for the lion project this year. Bringing together different ideas and skill sets has been a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing what our final outcome looks like, and our visions come to life. 

Push ups- 29,435

Sit ups - 29,410

Form reps - Hand 540 Weapon 495

AOK’s - 1415

Sparring (modified) - 835

KM’s - 1408

Blogs - 44

Priorities

 Priorities will shift, usually day to to day, sometimes hour to hour for me. This doesn’t mean I lose sight of my priorities, but sometimes it means one will take priority over the other even if that wasn’t the plan. I’ve excepted this as part of life, and do my best to not stress about it. 

Sifu Brinker posted a video this week about recognizing what our priorities are. We are the only ones that can decide what we are going to prioritize. Sure, sometimes that choice can be out of our control, like at work for example. But, it is up to only me to keep the other priorities top of mind and where my focus should and needs to be. 

Since joining the IHC I most definitely have a better understanding of my priorities. I’ve always been one of those people that will get it done when it needs to be done. Not very often did something not get done, especially when I had made a commitment to do so. But I often rushed myself, or put myself through undo stress to get it done. IHC has tought me to be more proactive and productive when it comes to my priorities. I would never have ‘time’ to do all that I commit to otherwise. There is 24 hours in a day and I’ve learned to make the most of that time. There for sure are days where it doesn’t work, some in my control, others not, but it is my choice to start anew everyday, and to keep what is important to me, in front of myself. Always. I am certainly not perfect at it, from from it, but I am always striving to be better. 

Push ups- 28,635

Sit ups - 28,610

Form reps - Hand 532 Weapon 490

AOK’s - 1383

Sparring (modified) - 810

KM’s - 1380

Blogs - 43