Step by step

This week started with some not so positive feelings. As much as I try to convince myself it doesn't matter, I do not like not to be acknowledged when others are (and we did the same amount of work). It brings my energy levels down and makes me wonder why I put all the effort in to what I do.

But the week passes on and I get back teaching my classes. Sifu Brinker was leading the kids class on Wednesday and as always he brings a sense of purpose to what we do. His presence is always energizing and empowering. I tried to implemented some of his methods with the adults class and at least from my perspective it was successful class.

During black belt class I partnered my self with a different black belt from previous weeks. This gave me different perspective on what we are working. I feel that there is progress both with the form practice and with the application we are practicing. Step by step, class by class, we get better.

Work is very confusing - I have more time as my current projects are winding down but a much bigger project is going to start soon and I do not know how to approach it and where to focus my energy. As in many other time - I feel that I cannot focus on one thing and get really good at it, as I need to know everything to do with this new project.

Anyway, this weekend was a great break from all of it as we were camping and hiking in David Thompson area. What a beautiful place. I wish I could camp and hike more.

Tomorrow is a start of a new week. Let it be even a better week than the one that is ending.

I am Grateful

How many different emotions/feelings can you have in one day? Today I had lots.

Nervousness
Anxiousness
Gratefulness
Fear
Relief
Friendliness
Anticipation
Struggle
Hope
Appreciation

I think that at the end of the day I remain with 2 - hope that all will work out and grateful to all the people that came and helped me today - Mr. Kohut (Mike and Simon), Mr. Beeler (and his dad), Mr. Dyble, Mr. Mckee, Mr. Solinger (who I am also grateful for his future help) and especially Mr. Helm who spent more than 8 hours on the road and helping.

Thanks guys!!!

It is not all about the money, is it?

What we do, how we behave, how we interact with these who surround us should not have anything to do with money.

But -

Would you invest in a super duper security system that will provide security for your house but also for the whole neighborhood? Would you pay more than your next door neighbor does?

Would you invest more than others in your street to beautify the street landscapes?

Would you pay more than your friends to ensure that their kids (and yours) will get the best education?

Most people will say no unless it serves our own agenda. Fairness is key when dealing with money, however it is not and should not be the only factor you consider.

How much we have to do? Lots

The last 2 weekends seemed to be packed with evens and activities, work and chores. It is great being busy and accomplishing many things. I'm enjoying the weekends - spending time with family, friends, pets. Completing many projects.

The next few weekends are going to be busy. Actually all weekends in the summer are going to be busy. So much fun to have.

I just wish the weekend was longer so I can rest before going back to work...

Part of the weekends is filled with Kung Fu. Last weekend was the Pandamonium. Before it started, we worked hard to make sure the place is clean. The day itself was fun. I really enjoyed doing the Dragon/Lion dance. Today I worked on the float for the parade with Mr. Helm. It is going to be fun using it next weekend!

Prepare...

Learning new staff can be fun but can also be intimidating and frustrating. How fast should I be learning it? Should I already know it by now? Do I know enough?

There are periods in our life, like the one I am in now, where I have more time for training, I have a big new (and different) project lined up, but I'm constantly asking my self these questions.

How do you know if you are ready? How do you make sure you do not fail?

Let it rest

I pulled a muscle in March, same one a couple weeks ago and then again on Saturday during fitness class.

How much rest do you allow your body to heal and how do you know it is ready to go again? Obviously I missed judged my healing and I need to go back to square one. Now this time - even if it feels better - no crazy workouts. Need to take it easy!

Are you here for the RIGHT reasons?

This week I was think lots about why people are practicing Kung Fu. It is not hard for me to see if people are practicing for the wrong reasons. They are usually not fully engaged. Going through the motions without really understanding what the point is. The wrong reason is the wrong reasons from my perspective. Anyone's reasons to join and practice Kung Fu are valid and should not be judged. Each person has different things that are important to them and these things are not necessarily what is important to me.

Understanding what others are looking for is key. Although I definitely trying to preach what I believe in, I do need to understand and accepts others that do not share the same ideals.