Bumps in the Road

I’m sure everyone knows that the journey towards any big goal, such as a black belt, is usually not a straight, easy path.  I’ve been finding that while my spirit is willing and excited about the progress I’ve made, my body has limits that “speak” loudly from time to time.  Two weeks ago, I wrenched my knee, I think while executing a roundhouse kick improperly.  I quickly figured out how to walk, stand, and sit so my knee didn’t hurt.  Stairs took a little longer.  Eventually, I discovered that my injured knee could bear weight while straight, but that it hurt to bend it with weight on.  So I moved like an elderly, fragile woman when it came to stairs (an exercise in humility…).  Bend the good knee, move the injured knee to the appropriate step, bend the good knee again…..

I also found “the proper form” to execute squats and lunges, as well as to hold a specific standing position, which made my knee feel stronger (thank you T Tapp!).  I chose to push my next testing date back, so I could concentrate on getting strong, and on having more time to practice, so I could show mastery of proper form during the test itself.

How to get back on track?  I had to do a couple of things.

First, I took time to reevaluate the goal.  To me, the goal of a black belt symbolizes a measurable way of getting more physically fit. I know the goal of being healthier and stronger is a good one!  Any worthwhile goal deserves my best effort, no matter how many challenges and setbacks I encounter.  Thank you Churchill for the simple words:  “Never, never, never give up.” 

Second, I found it important to try to figure out how I hit that bump (roundhouse kick), so I don’t have to make that mistake again. Proper form helps. Turn that grounded foot before throwing the kick! One very cool part of Tae Kwon Do lessons has been that I’ve been getting better acquainted with my body, and finding out that I can do more than I thought. I just need to challenge myself! And be careful to use proper technique and form…

Third, I had to modify my game plan a bit, to figure how to navigate around or through the soreness to prevent injuring the knee again, through trial and error.  I sought out ways to strengthen my knee.  I choose to spend several minutes a day doing those exercises that will help make the likelihood of injuring that knee again a bit smaller.

Finally, I realized there’s nothing wrong in being flexible in the timing of when the goal is completed. I’m not a rigid deadline person anyway, but I do sometimes need to let go of disappointment that my timetable needs to be pushed back.

I don’t want to be discouraged.  I don’t want to let this bump in the road stop me for keeps. In a way, I’m glad this incident happened, to help me think through the “why” and “how important” aspects of my black belt journey….  

 

Big Changes Coming

It has been a busy, fun summer. I can’t believe school starts in just over a week. What changes am I facing?

The end of my “role” as home school mom.

The beginning of seeing what’s next on this roller coaster of life. I want to get caught up on photo albums and baby books. I want to declutter the house. I keep reading of the value of decluttering, and will let you know what I find, as I work through the process.

Beginning Tae Kwon Do lessons with my 15-year-old son. Who would have imagined this change the year I hit the big 5-0? Not me! But having a specific time I HAVE to exercise has made a big difference in follow through, as well as having someone who wants to do it with me. There is power in partnership….

And I’m finding that creativity is bubbling as I ponder what I want to think about, walk through with the Lord. For now, I’m writing down the big brush strokes, and looking forward to time to delve more deeply into these topics.

I’ve been asked to consider being a small group leader in a women’s Bible study at my church. I’m so looking forward to girl time! Living at home with all boys (even a male dog, guinea pig and parakeet), with only a shy girl parakeet for feminine bolstering has taken a toll….worth the cost, but I am definitely ready for girl time!

A sweet lady from church has offered to show me her system for keeping her house sweet and clean.

An amazingly generous friend has offered to help me get my house looking great (and the whole back side of the house…dining room, living room, and kitchen…shows her talent). I’m so excited to see what happens in the front room when we get a chance to look at it together!

So even though I will miss having a boy at home with me, I am seeing more reason to be excited about what’s next all the time!