The Bumper Sticker

There are always consequences to our actions. Sometimes we learn the hard way, when we act or speak before we think. I saw this bumper sticker last week and it really got me thinking. On one hand I agree with it, but at the same time I don't.

"Change happens at the speed of thought"

First, I agree. My thoughts will have an influence on my actions. Look at road rage for example. If I am always getting really angry but stop my angry thought and instead replace it with "that person cut me off, but what if their spouse or their child is lying in the hospital"? That changes things instantly. Now I am using compassion, and my anger will dissipate. Where I also agree is when we are caught up in our emotions, and if we take the time to think before we speak, then absolutely we can make change.

Second, where I disagree. And it boils down to taking action. If I only have good thoughts or intentions, but no follow through, how am I to initiate change?

It seems that I agree more with the bumper sticker than I thought I did. Our thoughts can influence our actions, and bring about change. But we do have to be mindful at the same time. Awareness of our thoughts and then making the adjustments is what will bring about change. And we also have to be mindful of our follow through. A road paved with good intentions is not a road at all.

Posted with Blogsy

Boaty McBoatface

"The Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) new polar research vessel will be the UK's largest and most advanced research ship yet. She will allow scientists to carry out research safely and efficiently, even through the harshest of winters, in both Antarctica and the Arctic."

I heard about this today, where the public can submit and vote on what this new ship should be named. And oh my gosh, I think we have a winner! Boaty McBoatface. I love it! Simply because of its whimsy. Why does it have be serious? And does it have to be named after some famous explorer? (I do understand wanting to get taken seriously though).

I laughed a lot tonight, as we read through all of the submissions (and yes, we voted for this one!). In this world, where there isn't really much for good things in the news, and when it is so easy to be disappointed in how we treat each other, this was a nice treat. The only thing missing on this boat is a smiley face. I would totally ride this boat!

We should try to put smiles on each other's faces, and we should try to spread as much kindness as we can. Starting now.

Posted with Blogsy

Today and tomorrow

Today, I am going to drink my cranberry juice out of a wine glass, because I can.

Today, I am going to burn some incense to soothe my soul, because I can.

Today, I am going to read a book to escape for a little, because I can.

Today, I am going to hug my children to feel their love, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will get up and go to work, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will smile even if I don't feel like it, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will teach Kung Fu with passion, because I can.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Balance

There is a constant battle when it comes to the balance between being a Kung Fu parent and an instructor. I know I have high expectations of my girls as martial artists, so knowing when to push them and when to back off can be difficult.

As an instructor, it's my job to challenge our students to be more than they thought they could be. To find ways that work for each individual as we are all different and have different needs. And to find creative ways of doing so that staying engaged isn't too hard.

I don't always know when I am pushing my daughters when maybe I should be relaxing and giving them a little space to grow. Or vice versa. But now that I write this, I see that I have to try to take how I treat myself - when do I recognize that I need to push harder, when I need to back off a little and then how to apply it.

I want to do what's right for my kids, and what is right for my students. I know it's something that exists with give and take, and I think that by simply taking a step back every so often, I should be able to stay aware.

I don't always know what the best path is, for my kids, myself or my students. But I will always try, and will always ask for help when I need it. Because the way isn't always clear, I need to trust my instincts, and keep moving forward.

Posted with Blogsy