Ouch

Setbacks are a natural progression toward any goal. The best laid plan will always have hiccups and challenges along the way. Right now, I am struggling with a little setback. I generally have chronic pain, but this past week I did something to my middle back. I’m not sure what, but it has definitely made it more difficult to do my physical requirements. I have seen the chiropractor twice now, so hopefully I will be in better shape this week.

A Hero

I watched the documentary Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood twice and both times left me in awe and wonder. I watched that show as a kid, and yes I am dating myself. But the lessons he put into his program were amazing and what the world needed, and in my opinion, still needs. I don’t recall the lessons and wisdom that I was exposed to as a child, but I do remember how they made me feel. They made me feel good. It was a calm program, which touched on the important everyday things that us adults tend to forget to help our children with. Things like death, divorce, war, and tolerance to name a few.

Fred Rogers was an amazing person. He wrote the program, produced it, acted in it, wrote and sang the songs, and voiced the puppets. His calling and passion was children. I connected with this passion, as I am most comfortable with children. When I teach Kung Fu, I am most comfortable and confident with the kids. Put me in a room full of people, and I will find the children there and chances are I would prefer to play with them than to mingle with adults.

Watching this documentary reminded me that the world needs more compassion, tolerance and kindness. The world needs more leaders who inspire these qualities in us. Fred Rogers passed away in 2003. He will be missed. One of my heroes and I didn’t even know it until recently.

Another great day!

I truly enjoyed Canada Day, and all the demos and busyness that goes with it. The migraine I started with didn’t get a foothold and that allowed me to be present in the moment all day. I am proud of everyone who was there - everyone looked great, and the lion dance and dragon were a hit. Regardless of the extra challenge posed from the awesome wind, it was a huge success.

Thanks to everyone who helped set up, and who dedicated their time. I enjoyed spending the day with you.

Ack! There’s pepperoni on my back?

No, I did not lay on a bed of meat. I had an acupuncture appointment and had cupping done. However, when my daughter glanced at my back, she said it looked like I had pepperoni on it and started laughing her butt off.

Well, it’s all part of my self care. I have tried many things to help ease my fibromyalgia symptoms, and a few have helped a little temporarily. But the acupuncture and cupping are what is helping the most for me to get a decent nights sleep.

Self care is so important, not only when we are training in Kung Fu, but in our everyday lives. It’s so easy to get caught up in a hurricane of stuff, but we cannot sustain that kind of a pace without consequences. Taking a day off once a week from your requirements to allow your body to rest is vital. Taking time to shut off your electronics and unplug from the world for a little is vital for your mind. Connecting with your family in person is vital for your soul.

Self care means reaching out when you are struggling. It’s recognizing where you are, and what you need. Self care can be hard, as we don’t always recognize when we need it. But looking out for each other, goes a long way.

Family

Family is important to me. And I am grateful to have an amazing family. Both my Kung Fu family and the ones I am related to.

I was invited to a baby shower yesterday, for someone in my new family. I had a lot of anxiety because I have only met the new mom a couple of times, and while I did know my mother in law would be there, I was still way out of my element. Every part of me wanted to stay home, but I knew that I would have regrets. And I am so glad that I pushed myself, as it was a great day.

If I let my anxiety or my depression win, I wouldn’t be where I am today. ( but sometimes it does win) If I didn’t have my family that believed in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It is easy to take the path that allows us to stay in our comfort zone. However it doesn’t allow us the opportunity to grow.

Our demos can be intimidating to perform in. But if we avoid trying, we will have difficulty in overcoming them. Our Kung Fu family is all about supporting and encouraging each other. Let’s cherish that and grow together.

Take aways

One of the highlights from this past weekend was our lion dance and demo for the seniors in Stony Plain. They were very engaged and seemed to really appreciate our presence. I had the chance to speak with a few of them, and it reinforced how much we can learn from them. It was also a reminder to be in the moment as much as I can so life doesn’t just slip by.

Where am I and what am I doing?

Acts of kindness and gratitude are two things that can help us to stay in the moment, or return to the present moment. They require us to be mindful of what we are doing in that very instance and it is very grounding. Being mindful can be difficult but it’s not impossible. It takes a little discipline to stop, breath deeply, and remember where you are and what you are doing.

I neglected to do this during the parade and our demo and I regret it. I was on auto pilot and I feel like I missed out on something amazing. I promise I won’t do this on Canada Day!