Martial Arts Life

 "When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world" - George Washington Carver.  Many of today’s great leaders became great by doing the very thing Mr. Carver stated long ago, by doing the common things in an uncommon way. Thomas Edison and Bill Gates are just a couple of well known people who went above and beyond, especially after many failed experimental attempts. Rather than taking the common approach of quitting, they were persistent and went on to develop the lightbulb and Microsoft, which have commanded the attention of the world. The common things done in day to day life are often defined and set by what culture deems as the standard.  However, taking what is considered as standard and performing a level above is excellence in the ordinary. Derived from the excellence are great leaders.  The principle of Mr. Carver’s quote was also the route I took in pursuing one of my significant goals....

Today was our first benchmark test.  Yes the nerves were up especially when it came to the 1 mile run.  Not knowing what the run path would look like, could I do it, would I be able to run the entire time, uphill, downhill, flat road?  All these questions were swirling in my brain.  What else would we be doing? All the unknowns making me question if I was prepared.  Our day started off with a warm up to the song THUNDER by AC/DC. My brain and body were like "OH NO" if this was any indication of how the rest of the test would go I'm in trouble!  It was tough!  In fact I found it to be the toughest part.  Next it was out for the run.  SBN Samantha drew a map of our course on the white board, it looked nice in flat, but then again it wasn't the terrain view like you can see on google maps.  As we started out it wasn't too bad then you turn the corner, look up and there before you is a steep hill.  My body was telling me NO WAY but my b...

Goal number 6 for me is to touch base daily with one family member or friend. A simple phone call, text message, facebook message or email to say "How are you? I have been thinking of you. Thank You. Is there anything I can do to help? If you need me, I'm here". It has already made a huge impact on my life and theirs. The fundamentals of martial arts is the foundation we build to become a black belt. We also need that foundation in our personal lives to support us mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Think  of it  like a good front stance. " The purpose of the stance is to teach musculo-skeletal alignment that adds as much mass of the earth to a strike as possible. The stance allows a great deal of power generation forward, but very little in any other direction".  I would believe that most of us find our emotional foundation within our families and friends.  Like the front stance if our family and friends are together and strong we have the power and support...

In my first post part of my title was "One thing I'm not is a blogger" however maybe I'm becoming one.  Since my first blog I have been doing a lot of deep thinking so watch out I may be blogging daily :) We end our martial arts classes with our Dynamic Martial Arts purpose "To develop ourselves physically , mentally and spiritually with good character". There is a physical connection between what the mind is thinking and those parts of the brain that control bodily functions. It is important to care for all three.  One of my personal goals for my black belt test was to focus on my mental health   As I have gotten older I have realized that I have struggled with anxiety since I was young.  At the suggestion of my doctor I made the choice to take a class to learn how to  help change the way I think so I can lead a mentally heather life. I am a "what if this happens?" type of person and can be a  negative self-talker. The subject ...

I don't blog or journal, although I probably should because with age comes forgetfulness. I'm not the best writer- that's my sister Kristi.  She's an amazing writer.  I will, however, have her proof my work :). How do I describe who I am?  That question stumped me until I rephrased it “Michele style”: If  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs added an eighth dwarf (me), what would my name be?  Now THAT’S easy to answer...I would be "Thankful".  Thankful that I wake up every morning to both of my boys still safe at home and that I go to bed each night with my my snuggly fur babies curled up next to me. Thankful to hear my boys’ roaring laughter when they hang out together and their "Bye mom, I love you" as they head out the door. I am thankful for my loving, healthy family that supports each other through good and hard times and the comfort of knowing I can lean on them any time. I am thankful for old and new friends that embrace me without judgement and t...