Year of the Dragon

I think the assignment before me is to reflect on my I Ho Chuan Year of the Dragon and talk about what I learned, what I would do differently, and what I will keep.
I decided to review my journals for the whole year and see what jumped out at me. I read a consistent message; I am truly and totally excited about my kung fu and the direction that it is going in. I am learning to relax and enjoy myself and learning and growing at the same time.
I have learned lots of things this year; I can be patient! When I relax and be myself, it's okay! You don't have to do everything to be a leader! I like training with a variety of people and still value the time I have to train alone! Sometimes, it takes me a little while to figure things out, that's not a bad thing! Everyone is on their own journey and learns and grows in their own way! You can influence how others conduct themselves without ever speaking to them about it! I have amazing friends! My family continues to support whichever direction that my martial arts takes me!
What would I do differently; well....I set a couple of goals that are things that I really want to do but something is holding me back. I figured if I put them out there, that would be the push I needed to take the next step, it didn't work! I created many, many roadblocks! I think that I still need to figure out what is holding me back; fear of failure or fear of success!
What will I keep.... I joined the team this year because I was afraid that I would lose my momentum after getting my black belt and I didn't want that to happen. I wanted to make sure that some of the lifestyle changes and habits that I created would become part of who I am. I have succeeded in this area and setting goals and working towards them is how I think of most things in my life now. I think that I am ready to continue on with this lifestyle without being on the team. I will still be doing all the things that the team does, I just won't be taking up a spot that could be used for someone else that hasn't experienced the awesomeness of being on the team! 
Bye for now Dragon, it's been a great year!