History

 I have to say, I am honestly awe struck sometimes when I hear the Sifu's, talk about, and tell stories about the history of our Kung Fu. 

I was lucky enough to attend a lion dance on the weekend, and got to listen to another story - a part of our history. It really amazes me that I never hear the same story twice.Two things about this leave me in wonder - 1. It reminds me of how much knowledge surrounds us everyday in our Kwoon and 2. Never pass up the opportunity to learn and listen. Master Brinker is such an amazing speaker, even if he doesn't think so sometimes, and he gives us such important details, and parts of our history that we may not get out of a book.

We are so very fortunate at our school to have such dedicated people around us. People who truly want this art to live on, and not fade away, like so many do. 

The next time a little history is shared, do yourself a favor, and write it down as soon as you can, to never be forgotten. I am starting this habit, and next time I may even just do it in my blog. 

I almost wish I could video every part of my Kung Fu, so I don't forget all the little details. But that is why it is important for everyone to absorb, between all of us, nothing will be lost.

Envy

 I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit I had a moment of Envy at open training on Saturday. 

Watching the candidates come together as an elite team, working together, coming up with solutions, and different perspectives, and acting as one. I had a moment of Envy. I may have been a part of that team, odd girl out. My pity party lasted for a fleeting moment, and then my heart kicked in gear. 

After all, this is part of all of our journey's, if we choose. 

I decided that I would join, instead of being a bystander. Not to get in the way, or to take their precious time away, but to see the benefit I may add, and to better myself along the way. Besides, it always adds a great time when Don and I compete against each other. Laughter, fun, competition, and some cheers, and jeers along the way!

Isn't it all about consistent action, positive progression, and moving forward, no matter the belt level? We are all striving to be healthier, smarter, and better martial artists. 

I still believe I have made the right choice for me, but I also still move forward on my journey, and strive to become a better person along the way. 

Congrats to all the candidates, you are looking great, and it is very motivating, and inspiring to watch you all!

Covid

Yes, I am writing another blog about the new Covid world we live in. 

I am doing this for a purpose. I want this to be reflective for me to look back on in the coming months. I want to come back to this to remind me of where I was today. To keep me positive, strong, and continue to bring the best me, every single day. 

It is hard to believe really that we are 7 months in our world of Covid. It seems that it was just yesterday that all the panic started, and yet it also seems as it has been forever. It is almost hard to imagine what life was like before March 2020.

These last months have gone from initial panic, anger, and disbelief, to adjustment, acceptance, change, and lots of positive with the negative. 

In the coming months for me, it will be a lot of tough conversations, empathy, adversity, sadness, and anger. It will be a constant pivot, long (er) hours, and most of all, a plan to move forward from today to make a better tomorrow. 

I must continue to be at my best. Remove any judgement, empathize, and listen. There is happiness at the end of this, there is a way forward. We need to work together, and find a way. 

First and foremost, I have my family support, and understanding. This is my rock. I have my Kung Fu, which is my escape, as well as my cocoon. 

In the last several months, there definitely had been days when I just wanted it to all go away. Exhaustion, stress, anger and sadness. I came home after a long day, reflected, recharged, and got up the next day and gave my best again, a new day. 

I seen a mime today that sums it up quite nicely - 

Even though there are days I wish I could change some things that happened in the past,

there's a reason the rear view mirror is so small and the windshield is so big,

where your headed is much more important than what you've left behind. 

The past is important, and it does affect the footprint we leave, but this is more about the positive outlook on the future to me. 

I may even print it as a reminder for everyone that comes into my office. 

Stay strong, stay positive, move forward, one foot in front of the other. 

And maybe, just maybe, I will look back on this, and say to myself that it has been much better than I thought it would be. And I can smile and reflect on more happiness than sadness.

 

Injury

We will all have an injury during the course of our Kung Fu training.
I believe I have even heard it said, no injuries, not training hard enough.

Although there is definitely a difference with an injury from training too hard, and not training smartly.

I have been fortunate, and only have had one major injury, and not at a fault of my own in getting it. I believe my kung fu training actually prevented a much more serious injury.
The mistake I did make, was not letting myself heal properly; and I still pay for that today, 4 years later. Live and learn from my mistakes!

I have pulled, pinched, or tweaked something in my shoulder blade.
The worst part - I have no idea how I did it, or even when. It really started to bother me the other day. Enough so, that there is a definite difference from how one side feels to the other.
I've tried hot water, heating pad, massage, and exercising in different ways, and not much is making a difference so far.
So, modified training for now, and babying it a little, to let it heal. I'll give it a few more days, and then take further steps if needed.

I guess as we age, our bodies tell us different things, and we need to learn to listen.
I'm listening, but not liking it much lol.

See you all back for regular class times next week, and open training on the mats again! Looking forward to it!!