Minor, Ami - Self-Care

We have reached a point in the test where most of us have pushed ourselves so far past that we have sustained an injury of some sorts. If there is one thing that we each need to take time doing, it's self-care. We are all capable of pushing ourselves and we know that but we also need to be capable and know when enough is enough for now and focus on self-care. Being the group that we are, self-care can be put on the back burner and often be 'forgotten' about until it's greatly needed. This past weekend as a team we competed and complete a Terrain Race. This was an amazing event to be able to get out of the studio and into the world. Through this, we had travel time in which we got to chat and get to know each other on another level and build up those relationships outside of kicking and punching each other. For me, it was nice just to be able to have a 'normal' get to know you conversation with those I was with. For most of us, we only see each other in class or at a special training, not much outside of the studio. So to be able to willing run though and play in the mud was great team building. It was a blast to be able to see each of our personalities come out and show our real colors. Again, we paid money to play in the mud, but I wouldn't have changed a thing from that day. I was able to experience things I've never done, like jumping over a 6' & 8' wall with assistance, as well as learning where I need to improve, specifically I need to work on my upper body strength. After our 3-mile mud run, we were all tired and ready for a nice shower. The day following our race I think I can speak for most of the team, it was a sore and tired one. And no better day to take a self-care day and just hang-out around the house. This past week as I am allowing my body to recover I'm learning that it's okay to take it slow so long as you keep moving, you'll feel better. Self-care is something I am really trying to work on throughout the rest of this test and something I won't take for granted again. Self-Care is IMPORTANT!!

Ami Minor
3rd Degree Blackbelt Candidate