Strive to Serve - Blog #10 - SBN Samantha

At special training on Saturday, KJN posed the question: What is this test for you?  I've been thinking about that a lot in the last day, and I think it's definitely a multi-faceted answer. 

Martial arts has been a part of my life for 12 and a half years now.  However, since having my first child a few years ago, I haven't been as active with training.  This test has definitely served as a way to re-commit to being a martial artist, albeit in a different capacity.  I have had to re-define what being a martial artist means to me as a mother; my priorities have shifted as my identity has evolved, and there have been multiple times during this test that I've stayed home instead of going to train because of the kids.

At the same time, this test is also a way for me to be independent from my children.  Don't get me wrong, I feel like martial arts is an activity that families can enjoy together, and someday we will, but as a mother of young children, I need time to be ME not in relation to them.  Identities are like onions, right?  There's a layer of me that doesn't look back when I drive off to DMA to train, and I am so grateful that I have a husband who wholeheartedly supports my training.

This test is helping me refocus on my health and fitness goals.  I have done a cartwheel and shoulder roll again; things I had not done since before I was pregnant with Bonnie.  I am slowly, but surely losing the body fat, and feeling better.  I still have plenty of work to do before I reach my goals, but I am confident that if I continue to train, I will reach them.

On top of the balancing act of family and training, this test is affording me the outlet to serve others.  I know I'm not the most gregarious person (I'm an introvert), and tend not to greet everyone with a smile, but I truly care about people, and I have felt a strong desire to help people as long as I can remember.  Martial arts is a way that I can fulfill that desire, whether through spending the time to help a candidate with forms, or running a camp for kiddos that need some positive energy in their lives.

Strive to Serve; my family, myself, my community. 




Comments

  1. Lia London, authorOctober 7, 2019 at 7:32 AM

    I just love this. Parenting little bitty ones changes everything about how we view ourselves and what deserves our time. You'r ea wise momma and a wonderful martial artist.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MicheleOctober 12, 2019 at 6:14 PM

    WOW Sam, that was beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

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