Moving forward

This has been an interesting week. I took some chances with my sihing group, I attended boot camp and forged some new friendships.

I decided last week that maybe I was not the only one who was a little apprehensive with upcoming black belt grading. (I feel like I have been working towards this goal for a long time, and now that it is getting closer, it is kinda scary.) I chose to share this with my group and could not be more relieved with the results. It seems that we all have demons to fight in one way, shape or form. The fact that we can all help each other through is a great feeling. I really feel a great deal of positive energy from my kung fu family.

Ahhh....boot camp! I love boot camp, I make no secret of this. It is a day completely devoted to kung fu. No phones, no interruptions, no interference from the outside world. The location helps to lay the ground work for this, it is at a beautiful location, out in the country, seemingly miles from civilization (with running water and flush toilets). Most of the day is fun, learning new stuff, sweating and playing with like minded people, eating together, sharing stories, and creating new ones. It sets the stage for the end of the day, the fitness test. This is a interesting bonding experience, everyone is trying to do their best and trying to encourage everyone else to do their best at the same time. The results (numbers) are not nearly as important after the test as you think they are going to be before it starts. What is important at the end is that you tried your hardest and so did the rest of the group and you have done everything in your power to help them do that. I always walk away satisfied that I put in a good days work. This year was no exception, although I did feel more bonded to this group then I ever have before. This probably has more to do with where I am and what I have to offer. I realized lately that it is not what you can do that defines you but how you get there. I am sure that I have been told that many times, it is the sinking in that takes time.