We are 5 days into the year of the pig and there has already been some ups and downs. The morning workouts are a great start to getting numbers in. The first 2.5 days were strong and then when Simon got sick it threw a wrench into it. I did not get my numbers in for the other 2.5 days and that was very frustrating but then the banquet happened in there and we all made it through that. Woohoo! Time to dig in and go harder!
Speaking of the banquet, watching the black belt candidates was really amazing this year. This is the first year that I was so involved with their journey and everything that they did was very motivating. As I stood watching them receive their black belts, I was so very proud of each and everyone of them, especially Simon. It flashed me back to the first banquet we ever attended. We were in the small hall and in the back so we didn't really get to see everything but even then there was a feeling in the air that you knew something big was happening. Every year it got bigger and bigger as you started personally knowing the candidates and watching their journey. Sitting back there on Saturday, I could also see the day when it will be my turn. It is not a "if" but a "when".
Being part of the I Ho Chuan demo was awesome but the really amazing part was the Lion Dance. It was a new experience and I can't wait to do this again. We learnt so much but there is so much more to learn. Working with Mr. Bjorkquist was a great experience and I am so thankful for all the help that he gave me.
Another amazing banquet moment was receiving the Travis Panasiuk award. That was a great honour and I am very thankful for being chosen. It is a little scary to be placed with such amazing previous candidates. What I have learnt is don't be afraid to put your hand up, leading does not mean doing by yourself, and there is a great team ready to help each other. We have such great leaders in our midst, don't be afraid to learn from them.
For everyone that was at the banquet, how many times did someone come up to you and thank you for something you have done? I know we normally brush those compliments off but I want you to really think about what was said. These are the moments that you have touched someone's life and you probably didn't even realize it. This shows how much we can do for someone else without a lot of effort. Imagine the difference that can be made if we made extra effort. Remember this as we start recording our Acts of Kindness.
A HUGE thank you to everyone that set up and took down the banquet. It felt very weird not being in the midst of all the action but it was amazing to see how well it was done. You all did GREAT! My family was very impressed with the banquet and many want to come back and watch it again. It always amazes me to the level of commitment and support that this team and school can do when it pulls together. Go Pigs!
See you on the mats!
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