Recognition

It is a Wonderful feeling to be recognized for hard work, and reaching a goal.

This week I was awarded with one of the highest recognition's that my employer awards.
In seven years I have won the highest award twice, and many other recognition's over the years, but this one, was one that evaded me, until now.
I was very humbled, especially in the times we are in. This year of course, it looks a little different than in past years, but does not mean any less.

I also earned the final stripe on my brown belt for 1st degree.
It has been a good week!

It is fantastic to be recognized, and to get awards for the hard work you have been doing.

But, what now? It is not really a question.

For me, there is never a What now. For me, it is what is next? Or, how do I go further, and improve more?

When you are recognized for something, it does not mean you have reached the end. To me, it means I have progressed and improved enough for the recognition, and to work at progressing, and keep getting better.

Constant and Continuous progression. And Improvement.

When I started Kung Fu, my goal was not a Black Belt. My goal was to live a better life.
Physically, mentally, in my community, and in my Health.
This is still my goal.

When martial artists are awarded their Black Belt, the Ultimate Recognition, is that the end, because they received that recognition? Absolutely not.

We continue to grow, to learn, and to develop and live Mastery, at every level of recognition.
Whether it is your first stripe on your White Belt, or your last stripe on your Black Belt.It is a never ending Journey of ups and downs, recognition's, and disappointments. But, it is the Best Life you can live, and without some failure, the recognition does not mean anything.

In writing this post, I am not looking for further accolades, or congratulations. I am simply sharing a good week, which in the last few months, this alone, is something to celebrate.
I'm sharing what recognition means to me. It is a Great feeling, but it is also a journey on a long winding, hilly path that never ends. 

I hope everyone had something to celebrate this week, thank you for listening.
See you all on the screen!

Priorities

We all have Priorities. How do we prioritize our priorities?
For me, it changes. It depends on what is happening in my life at the time.

Has this pandemic changed my priorities. No. They remain the same. What has changed, is the way I do some things, some habits have changed, but my priorities remain the same as they did.

I needed to sit back and reflect a bit this week, and change around my priorities a bit.

My family was, is, and always will be my number 1 priority.  Has it changed? Yes. Not the priority, but how we communicate, see each other, and express our feelings, gratitude and love. There's been no hugs, kisses, or close affection (with those I do not live with). This is all still there, just done differently for now.

Work has taken a lot of my time, energy, and mental focus for the last couple of months.
Has it changed? Yes. There has been a lot of pivot, redo, rewrite, and pivot again. All for the greater good, but not easy.

Kung Fu (this does not mean it is my last priority!!) Has it changed? Definitely! Has the priority? Definitely Not!
I actually feel Kung Fu has become my main priority, as it had been the one constant in my life that has changed the most. I was so used to running, and being on the go 7 days a week to get everything in, it was a drastic change to have that taken away. We have also pivoted, and rearranged to make it work. Is it working? I believe it is. There is struggle, but it is what you make it. I am making it a priority, to not be lost, to push harder, and further, and show this pandemic who is boss! I feel I am getting so much out of the online classes, as now I can go back, I can rewind, I can watch over and over, and really soak everything up. When we are in class, we have one chance to get it all in, all in that 45 minutes or so. Think of what we lose, as I know, I cannot absorb everything in class time.
Now, don't get me wrong, I wholeheartedly miss the Kwoon, and cannot wait until we are back.
But I also feel I will miss this, and we will be losing at least a little bit.
One on ones have been so resourceful, and educating. Nobody but me and my Sifu. (Well and my boys, but we try to take our turns)
And my blogging, the priority has not changed. This is the one thing, I think, that this pandemic has not altered. (Just the content, as this is life right now)
It is so very important to me to find the time in my week to share my thoughts. So many have helped me with my struggles. I do not want to even think where I might be in this pandemic without it, and all of you.

We need to keep our priorities in life, always. Without priorities, we are mundane, we are mediocre, we are not living.

Until next time, everyone stay safe and healthy!