How Martial Arts Has Impacted My Life My Life

December 31, 2014

(That picture is of me at my 1st belt promotion – my instructor telling me to look mean.  What do you think?  Haha!)

I was going through separation . . . possibly a divorce with two small children in tow that had only known me as their caretaker. I realized how small my circles were and that none of my friends were divorced or single. I felt very isolated. I needed to work on me. I needed to find something for me. My son had been training in the martial arts for over a year. It was such a positive experience for all of us. So, I decided to take the plunge and check it out for myself.

I had dedicated myself to my boys – to being the best mom I could be. Everything I did was for my family. I took care of the kids, the house, the shopping, the finances, the bills and even the yard. I even remember mowing the lawn with a 3 year old (yes, he was a little guy for 3) in the backpack and my infant in the front pack. I remember being so proud of myself. “I am woman . . . hear me roar!!!”

I felt that I was given the gift to be home with the kids, so I did as much as I could when I was home to “earn” and “deserve” the right to have my husband support me.

In hindsight, I now see that when things weren’t perfect in my marriage, I focused more on the kids rather than resolving our problems.

I was not very open-minded. I was very judgmental. I was always working to make everyone happy before myself.

When I started taking martial arts classes, I not only empowered myself by learning how to be more aware of my surroundings and learning how to defend myself, but I learned the importance of mental martial arts.

I was able to focus my energy (kicking and hitting things was very therapeutic). I was in the best shape of my life. I learned that I wasn’t as uncoordinated as I thought I was – at least over time. Mentally, I learned how to center myself. I learned how to “breathe” properly. I learned to meditate. I learned a new way of thinking. I learned how to look beyond the obvious and give people the “benefit of doubt.” I learned how good it felt to be in a positive atmosphere and share “good” energy. Most of all, I learned that I am important and that I need to take care of myself first in order to be effective in any other area of my life.

As a second degree black belt, even though I’m on a break right now (once a martial artist, always a martial artist), I am confident, assertive, open-minded, positive and happy. I have the self-discipline to control my thoughts and notice when they go astray.

I did go through divorce but ended up meeting my current husband along the way. We are very much a team and have the same beliefs. We keep each other in check as well as the kids – and we now have three boys!  We meditate, read positive and inspiring/self-development books, support each other and our friends and just enjoy life.

I am still able to be home with my children as we are continuing to make connections online with like-minded people all over the world . . . many are martial artists themselves. We share an outlook on life that is positive, inspiring and motivating. We put our egos aside to uplift and support each other -everyone wanting to see each other succeed.

Today, my husband and I are Finding Synchronicity with our dreams and goals. 

We believe that synchronicity has created this connection – it’s no accident you found us. 

If you’re looking for like-minded people like us to stay positive, motivated and inspired, please “like” our FB Page:
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