Take Comfort in the Little Things

Lately I've been so overwhelmed by blown up plans, misjudged goals and stress, I can't see the forest through the trees. I've been forgetting everything that has gone right, too wrapped up in everything that has gone, and is going, wrong.

So, I need to step back. I'm forgetting what I am capable of, and to remind myself I'm looking back on what I have accomplished. I have been in Kung Fu for about fifteen years, and I have never regretted the blood, stress and pain (physical or otherwise) that goes along with it. Its all been a part of a struggle that has been more than worth it, even in those times that it feels overwhelming.

Despite immensely disliking competing, I had made it a goal to compete with completely new weapons in this years Tiger Challenge. I did it, along with winning metals in hand forms, grappling and continuous sparring. Its not the metals I'm proud of ( although they are pretty), it's the fact that I successfully forced myself up there.

I also feel that my lion dance and teams give me bragging rights. Come see us June 6 in Onoway. Enough said.

I have always prided myself in what I know I can do. So why have I slacked? I don't know. But, having been given an immense wake up call, I feel oblidged to not only make it up, but to fully reach my peak, push my capabilities to the limit and see if I can't show everyone who believes in me that they have underestimated me instead of overestimated. I'm not going to just wave off my difficulties. I'm stressed out for a reason, and I recognize this. I will, however, work to overcome them.

And a warning- there are several of you that I plan to drag along with me. Kicking and screaming if need be.

Motivation vs. Discouragement

I am really learning the value of empathy and understanding your students. This goes way beyond simple training and teaching methods- it involves who they are, what they need and what their intentions are. It involves what will help the individual student to get past their speed bumps- there is no blanket works-for-everybody method. Some students who are not aware or do not admit their failings may pull encouragement from a harsh reality check. Others who are aware and who are honest about their failings may not be encouraged by this method. I firmly believe that if an individual has been honest enough and straight enough to admit their failings, and not make excuses for them, that should be an indicator that a self reality check has been completed, and that now the student is ready to try again and is asking for help. (Note: Help comes in different froms, depending on the individual. Again, no blanket method exists).

Every student is different. You cannot force a square student with round methodology. Getting to know each student beyond knowing if they are a visual vs. vocal learner is not enough if you want your students to progress beyond just a practitioner into an internal martial artist.