I’m reading a really good short book right now. It’s called “Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain” by Mark Johnson. It’s full of good practical advice, laced with good humor and candor. I’m about halfway through it and I’m convinced that everyone should read it. It’s full of those things that every new practitioner of the gentle art should be told before they begin their journey. It’s been a good reminder of what I love (and love to hate) about jiu jitsu. Sort of like a rule book or a play book. I guess I’ve worked in corporate America for too long. I like rules and processes and I especially like them in writing. It makes people accountable. But I digress, the reason I wrote this post, the book reminded me why I started training jiu jitsu to begin with...
· I love the healthy, physical exertion of jiu jitsu. I started training as an avenue to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. I want to leave my children with that legacy. I have had too many family members die from health related issues that could have been prevented. I want more for my children and I have to lead them by example.
· In the process of discovering this healthy, physical lifestyle, I fell in love with the gentle art. I can’t explain this love, or even put it into words that adequately reflect what I feel. So I’m going to steal from my very first blog post -- I want my jiu jitsu to become a thing of beauty. I watch some of our guys and their jiu jitsu is so graceful and fluid and beautiful. That's what I want mine to be like. I believe that someday it will be.
May 27, 2012, marked the one year anniversary of my Jiu Jitsu blog. I’ve had a whole lot of ups and downs and blood and sweat and a whole lot of tears, but I’m still hanging on. Not giving in or giving up. I know I’ve been having the jiu jitsu blues for a while now, but don’t count this old lady out yet, I’m just busy and tired and worn out from my regular life and sometimes jiu jitsu has to take a back burner to all those other things so they can become complete and resolved and I can become happy and content so I can be balanced enough to open my mind to learning this beautiful thing called jiu jitsu.
I am thankful to so many of you out there in blogger land for encouraging me as I walk this journey. Your writing has inspired me, given me hope, made me laugh and cry and reminded me that we are all one big happy jiu jitsu family. To Dagney and Gina and Jen and Megan and Leslie and MMA Lady and Julia and Triin and Jodie and Georgette and Shark Girl and Shama…if I forgot your name here I’m sorry, there are so many of you – thank you from the bottom of my heart, your writing encourages me and it moves me and it reminds me that I’m not walking this journey alone.
Debra, you are most certainly not walking this path alone. Keep daring yourself! I love the tone of your blog, the "what if I did this..." which is always followed by "Hey! I did that! I did it well! I could even more!" Keep up the inspiration and light.
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Dagney, I just hope you know how much you inspired me these past months. I know your SWAT journey was very personal and difficult at times and you laid it all out there on the line and let the rest of us come along for the ride. I'm waiting for next year and I will be cheering you along in spirit when you make and exceed your goals!! Thanks for sending a little light my way just when I needed it most! :)
DeleteBalance is the most important thing, your journey should be about taking care of yourself, in whatever manner you need to at any given time. Always reward yourself for what you accomplish, and never punish yourself when you think you fall short. You inspire me as well, Debra, and I'm glad to walk alongside you on the path. :)
ReplyDeleteGina, you always manage to put things just in the right perspective. You often make me smile and laugh out loud just when I need it most. I'm too serious of a soul at times and your posts always encourage and inspire me. It's great to know that we can be thousands of miles away, but we are still one big happy jiu jitsu sisterhood!! :)
Deletecongratulations on your blogoversary!
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