I’m taking a break from writing about education to write my New Year’s resolutions for 2015.
Every bone and joint aches now, but it’s all right. I recently started training in martial arts again and, at 43 and in terrible shape, I figure it will take me a while to rediscover the fitness I used to feel when I trained before. Add to that the fact that what I’m learning now is nothing like what I learned years ago. It’s harder, requires more athleticism, and has nothing to do with training for tournaments. Instead, we are learning how to handle dangerous situations and how to conduct ourselves in all situations. The motto of the school is “Attack Life, Not Others.”
That being said, it wasn’t much fun to be up for hours before dawn this morning with an aching shoulder and stiff uncomfortable knees. No, it was not fun at all. While I lay there, I thought about quitting. I mean, who am I kidding? I’m not a kid anymore. I have never been an athlete. I’m in the worst shape of my life. Perhaps I should do something else until I am in better shape and then try again, I thought.
I could use an expletive phrase here. I won’t. Suffice it to say that quitting is not an option. Instead of quitting, I’m going to set some goals for myself for this upcoming year. If I “publish them for the world to see” (not that anyone reads this blog anyway) and if I say them out loud to those I love, then I’m more likely to accomplish them. When you see what they are, you will most likely think, “Why are you making these things goals? They are too easy.”
Trust me, for me they are not.
So, here it goes.
Learning to do things that terrify me
1. A proper “break-fall”
2. A forward roll
3. A backward roll
Doing things I can’t do now
1. See the list above
2. Run a mile
Accomplishing these goals will help me get a new belt, but more importantly, I will definitely feel better about myself. I will have conquered fears I have had as long as I can remember. I can finally say, “Take that, Ms. Brennan, you gym-teacher-turned-voice-in-my-head-that-loves-to-tell-me-I-can’t-do-anything-athletic.” Ah, what a relief that will be, for me and for my inner child that remembers gymnastics with a shudder.
Well, dear reader, I have now put before you my resolutions for this year. Wish me luck.
Happy Holidays to all!!
From: http://sweetvioletsa.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-holidays.html