Gift or Chore?

Sifu Cosgrove made a comment weeks ago that really made an impact on me.  She talked about how when she was reading blogs, if it felt more like a chore, she would stop and reevaluate.  She realized it was a gift given to her and should not be looked at as a chore. 

So why did this have such an impact on me?  It made me start looking at more things in my life in a different light.  It started with reading our blogs and trying to find the little gems within them.  Being grateful that others were sharing their journey with me.  It changed my attitude which changes everything. 

I was going to blog about this earlier but I really wanted to take this attitude into my everyday life.  I thought that I had a fairly positive outlook at work but now I noticed that under stress I become less tolerant.  Right now work is building up so this couldn't have come at a better time.  Before, I was working on being mindful of my reactions but by looking at things as a gift allowed me to also modify my attitude and guess what, it worked.  Instead of being frustrated and annoyed, even if it was internal so others wouldn't see the reaction, I was able to have more patience which allowed for meetings to run smoother and be more productive.  I could see this attitude also being picked up by others.  

I still have a lot of work to do to keep this mindset in front of me, both at home and at work.  I am hoping that eventually I won't need to work so hard at this, but if that time comes, I know I need to be extra careful as this can easily lead into mediocrity instead of the mastery that I am working towards.

See you on the mats!

What would you change?

Most people will have a time in their life that impacts them so greatly that you evaluate your life and make changes to be better.  Eating healthy, spending more time with family, removing stress from your life, taking action on the environment, etc.  It’s all the things that you would do different if you had limited time left.

Living with a chronic illness (actually a few of them) I’ve had this life evaluation experience a few times.  The funny thing is eventually old habits slip back in and you tend to go back to the “way it was”.  Why is that?  Why do we revert to habits that we swore to change? It is a great example of mediocrity slipping back into our lives.  Why do we return to actions that we don’t like?   I can tell you from my experience, it’s because it’s easier. 

It’s not easy making quality time for your children,  it doesn’t come at the opportune moment and your children may not even appreciate it at the time.  It’s not easy to create meal plans, shop and organize meals.  It’s not easy to create an exercise plan and consistently fit it into your schedule.  So why do it?

Life’s not easy! If you want to make the most of it you need to put in the effort.  Your children will remember the time you spent with them and treasure it one day.  Your health will be better if you eat well, exercise, and reduce stress.  Is it not worth the effort?  

Living with chronic illnesses could be looked at as a disadvantage but I feel it gives me an advantage.  It allows me to evaluate my life frequently and make constant changes knowing there is always room for improvement.  Take time to think about “what if I had a month or a year to live, what would I change in my life?” Write it down, make a plan to implement it and then to ensure it stays in place.  This spring break I have time off with my family and I am making sure we are doing thing’s together.   I want to be physically and emotionally there for them. It doesn’t need to be big, it just needs to be together. 

What will you change in your life?   

See you on the mats!

Pursuing your dreams

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” 

– Walt Disney

Not only does it take courage to pursue your dreams, you also need to make sure you are on the correct path towards your dream. This week had me gazing ahead, wondering if I was on the right path.   It was a week of questioning and evaluating and considering and..and...and.

Sometimes it’s best to look immediately in front of you and forge ahead.  Sometimes you need to breathe and look at the bigger journey but this week that bigger picture was shrouded and foggy.  

Previously this type of week would have made me falter.  Maybe this time it’s courage that keeps me moving forward or just plain stubbornness (me stubborn - no way 😂). Yes, it threw me off my game and the best thing I could have done was chat about it at my 1-1.  The fog is a little thinner now and I know I am heading in the right direction.  It is a good reminder that no matter what we are doing, in Kung Fu or out, sometimes we just need to check in with someone else. You shouldn't pursue your dreams in isolation. (And doesn't the quote make you want to visit Disney again LOL).

See you on the mats!  

Mortality

 March has come in like a lamb.  The weather is warm, snow is melting and the groundhog has seen his shadow so winter will be coming to an end.  Well in a few months at least LOL.

February has alway been a tough month for me.  Although it's the shortest month, it has always seem to be the longest.  The weather is cold, the days are short and the end of winter is not anywhere in sight.  This month was harder than most.  It started with my former boss passing away.  He had cancer so it was not unexpected.  Then at the end of the month, within a week, two other colleagues passed away unexpectedly.  One had recently retired and the other was still working.  

Although these were colleagues, they were also friends.  Friends that I respected and treasured their advice and wisdom. There is no way to pay my respects, so I am left to grieve on my own.  I find it hard to remember the good that they have brought into my life when I still tear up thinking how they are no longer here.  

These friends were slightly older than me but definitely not as old as my parents.  It hit home that I am that age and it was reinforced when my hematologist stated she was retiring (who I have had for 20 years) and had to remind me that I qualify for the high comorbidity Covid vaccine group.  Wait....WHAT?  I use to always be her "healthiest sick person she knew" but as I get older, I need to make sure I am keeping things in check.  Our health is a fine balance and we can't take it for granted.  I have some older staff that are debating if they should retire and previously I really didn't have any advice.  Now I find myself asking why they are even debating it?  What is wanting them to stay? Financial reasons or is it a work obligation?  If it is a work obligation then I can help remove those anxieties.

So how does this relate to Kung Fu?  Our morality should be foremost in our training.  You never know when something will change so train to the best of your ability today.  If you are sitting back and wondering why you are doing (or not doing) something, stop and really ask why. Write it down!  Be mindful of the things that you are putting into your body.  Do what you need to do to make sure you are at your healthiest! Train!

"What we do today is what matters most!"  (Best silent auction win yet!)

See you on the "virtual" mats!