Great Start

Year of the Rat - It has been a Great Start!

I must say I am happy with the way this year is starting strong out of the gate. Being my second year in I Ho Chuan, I took some time to reflect on my first year, and have come up with ways to improve on the not so successful parts of the year. Failure I have learned in life is a great thing, as long as you learn something from it, and can turn it into a positive.

A couple of key points I did learn was slow and steady, and no matter how bleak the outlook, don't give up. Life happens, and no day is ever the same. But, everyday is a new opportunity that awaits. Take advantage of each and every one of them. 
I also learned a lot about my physical well being, and some limits on my body. Being mature (we'll call it that) in life, I definitely have some limits I did not have 20 years ago, and did learn the hard way. I found I could not do push ups all at one time! My wrists were in tensors for days, with very painful movement. So, comprise and slow down. Instead of all at once, I now spread my push ups throughout the day. Sit ups are easier, but again all at once makes for a painful back ache. Again comprise, recalculate, and adjust. I have made some adjustments due to injury and age, but I feel good about what I accomplish, and believe I am on par with my goals. I also now take advantage of the slower life days, and pad numbers on those days. No matter how hard we try and plan, days are going to come that there isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done.

We as a family have also incorporated taking advantage of our Leisure Center in Spruce Grove. We now make it a part of our Sunday to walk/run our 2 kms, and spend some time in the gym on the exercise equipment, and weights. They even have a wonderful room that is perfect for doing forms (and you don't have to worry about running into a couch in the living room!) I am quite enjoying these new Sunday starts, and feel very accomplished once done! And of course its a pad the numbers day, which is never a bad thing.

The key for me to remember (as again learned the hard way last year) is to not lose the momentum. As the year carries on, keep it constant and steady!  I feel I took away some very important tools from last year to making successful strides in this year. Attend classes, lean on each other, and don't be afraid to admit when struggling. That is the most wonderful part of this team - we have each other's backs, and we are there to support each other in the good, and in the not so good.

As the excitement of the New Years banquet is now waning, and the year is in full swing, I very much look forward to the year ahead. The goals, the wins, the challenges and the solutions to be brought upon us.

See you all on the mats fellow Rats!