Being in charge of your own destiny...

Written on January 2, 2010.



With the new year, comes the anticipation of a new year to experience the unknown but also reflection on the year that just passed. So today, I reflect.

It amazes me how things happen for a reason, sometimes its a bad outcome, but for the most part and the long run, its for the good, just a matter of looking at things from another viewpoint.

Back in June I had decided to finally do something for my physical, spiritual and mental well-being. I had a love for the martial arts since I was a young girl so I thought I would begin my search for a dojo that I would feel comfortable in. Just by sheer luck that momentous day I was doing a search online for TRADITIONAL martial arts studios in the area. I knew that's what I needed in my life. I wasn't looking to being a black belt right away, I wasn't looking at a McDojo (a school that guarantees, fast service but the quality is yet to be desired), I was looking for something small and very traditional but also a great school to learn from one of the best... high standards, yes I know, but if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it good, not mediocre, to the best of my ability but also as good as I can be taught. The past 10 years I wasn't able to find what I was looking for, something always fell short of my expectations. That pivotal day, I found a PDF file online about a seminar that Troy J. Price was doing at a place called Original Martial Systems in Appleton. It didn't have too much detail, but what I read, I needed to find out more about the club that was hosting this event. The contact information was on the file, so I called. I got the answering machine. I left all my information for the Sensei to contact me back.

It didn't take long for Sensei Joseph Pounder to call me back. We talked about his school, the types of classes he taught there, also the curriculum schedule. I was definitely intrigued. Because it was so close to July 4th weekend, Sensei Pounder felt it would be more beneficial for me to attend and visit one of his classes after the festive holiday. He did get my contact information to send out some literature on his school so I would have it for my reference.

Well mid July came around and I decided to do something about this new found desire of mine. Yes, to make the short trek to Appleton to see if I was going to get back into the arts. I wasn't going to get my hopes up because from previous experience, my hopes were diminished after the initial visit. What greeted me that day I walked through the dojo doors has since changed my life. I am eternally grateful to myself, to my new Sensei, and the new friends and family I have met since joining.

I had asked my husband last night before bed, what comes to mind when you think martial arts or karate - he said, "fast paced, kicking, striking". On the first impression it is just that, but that's only the tip of the iceberg... what lies underneath it is so much more... there's the physical aspect, the mental discipline, the spiritual aspect, the inner peace you achieve through focus, all individual benefits, but with that comes the feeling of being involved in something greater than yourself, being a part of a like minded group of people who you come to view as family, a better awareness of compassion, understanding, and the gift of seeing humanity in a whole new light.

With that all being said, I would like to challenge those who took the time to read this, to find your passion this year, develop it, and see how it truly changes you. After all, it is you, who is ultimately in charge of your destiny, the direction your life is leading, to find enlightment in what you do and realize, you are a great person in this vast world. Make a difference in your life, because I can tell you it does filter into your surroundings and everyone reaps the rewards.

Peace and much love for the upcoming year. Take charge of what you can control and savour the experience. We all have one life to live, live it to the best of your ability!!!