“Look, if you had, one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it, or just let it slip?”~ Lose It, Eminem
Granted, we don’t ever have just one opportunity – I can definitely attest that I have been given MANY opportunities. Some I let slip away…others, I fought tooth and nail for.
What opportunities are you choosing to pass on? What opportunities are you saying Yes to? What are you willing to fight for? Work hard for? What are you willing to do until you make it?
I started Thai Kickboxing in Februaray, 2007. I started it so that Richard, Junior, and I had something to do as a family. My men opted to take a karate type class and I jumped into kickboxing. Our classes were at the same time in different rooms. After the first month, Richard bowed out and made the decision that Junior wasn’t quite responsible with his school work for us to sign a six month contract with the studio for him. But I did. I signed up, signed on, and then spent the next three months piddle farting around getting promoted to my yellow belt.
Eight weeks and eight classes between white and yellow and I took nearly 14 weeks to do it. No excuses. I tested for my yellow belt right before I left for Italy. Came back and still didn’t committ to the journey. A class here, a class there.
In early July 2007, I found myself at my friend Brad’s funeral. What would Brad have said to me? “Peggy, get off your ass. Make a decision…do YOU want this? Do you want to be a black belt?” From yellow belt to orange belt, I determined to test on time…which meant I started going to class 3 times a week…and I quickly became addicted. It became more than becoming a black belt.
From orange belt to purple belt, I figured out how long it would take me to become a recommended black belt. I set my intention and made the determination that unless I injured myself short of dying, I would promote to every belt by getting in the required classes in the minimum allowed time.
After class tonight, I will have four classes left before I test for my recommended black belt…four classes…that’s it. I can taste this with every cell in my body. On September 24th I will have something I’ve wanted for a very long time…and it’s just the beginning…because after this, I’ll have 10 months of required classes and time in the dojo before I’ll be in front of a large crowd of people testing for my first degree black belt.
There’s a sign in the martial arts studio “A Black Belt is a White Belt Who NEVER Quit.” I may have gotten off to a sloppy start in 2007, and there are mornings I wake up to a 45 year old body that groans through stiff, sore, beat up muscles. But here I am 2.5 years later, stronger, leaner, (and a little meaner) and in better shape than I can remember being in.
And why is something like this even important to me? When I was seventeen, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher…only I had no idea what kind of teacher I wanted to be. Early childhood education? Noooooo. I coached middle school soccer. No thank you. High-school? Hell No!
It wasn’t until I found my yoga practice that I figured out the kind of teacher I wanted to become. I got my 200 hour yoga teacher certification last year. I’m working on my 500 hour level certification and my Thai Kickboxing compliments my warrior goddess. I am a Yogini and I will be a Sensei. I am a Teacher…with a capital T.
What are you doing today that gets you one step closer to realizing the opportunity you’ve chosen to take on?
Congratulations on your accomplishments. You’ve helped inspire me to practice a martial art in addition to my yoga and gym time (or rather than, depending on my schedule).
Hi Chris!
Thanks so much for visiting Serendipity Smiles! Martial Arts is a fabulous compliment to any yoga practice…in fact, some say the martial arts come from yoga! I find the two very synergistic…and for me, they keep me in balance
I could get off my beehiney and seriously start “training” for a half marathon in Feb/a 10K in December. I’ve been using the HEAT in Texas as my excuse not to jog (that’s a good one by the way).
Thanks for inspiration to get moving! I needed that.
You have incredible accomplishments!
Hi Angelia (I love your name!)
I know the heat in Texas all too well – I lived in San Antonio for 10 months between 1983 and 1984 (prior Air Force!) But it gets hot in NH, too – for about a week
The key to getting started is to simply get started. I ran my first 5k…ever…in my life…last year. I trained for three months prior to it (I know…a long time to train for a 3.2 mile run!) but I slogged through the training durning the summer. Ran the race, crossed it and running off my to do list
I like my knees…
BUT, I’d be happy to stand on the sidelines and cheer you on…so get up and get moving!
Peggy
Peggy, I’m new here (I found you through booshy) and I really like what I have seen so far. Thank you for sharing! I look forward to reading more.
Hi Daphne (another name I really like!) (I feel like I’ve been visited by Angels today!) – thank you for taking the time to stop by for a visit!
I look forward to seeing you around the blogsphere and getting to know you!
Peggy
Holy Cow, Peggy! What an inspiration story – and journey you are on! Fabulous tribute to an enduring spirit! I’m so excited and proud of you and FOR you!
Gosh over the years, a few times opportunity knocked and I was too busy screaming to hear the knock. I don’t dwell on the missed ones – keep walking, more will come, and they did!
It may sound trite by comparison – cut me some slack since I’m almost 20 yrs older than you and my days of physical mastery have retired – but starting my blog and keeping up with it has been monumental in that it got me back to writing again. I overcame a lot of obstacles in my life and mostly my head, but Lordy, this feels good!!! I have several major projects going now that languished for years. I feel energized and empowered and joyous about all of it – and life in general now! I’m thrilled for both of us!
Hugs,
suZen
Hi SuZen,
I so love having you in my cheering section…and see, over there? That’s me in yours!
We get where we’re going in our own time.
One of the world’s greatest poets (and drunk poets at that!) didn’t even start writing until he was 40. Rumi…and then he wrote for 15 years (drunk even) and turned out some of the most beautiful and profound wisdom the world has ever heard. (And some funny drunken stuff, too)
Keep on keepin’ on SuZen…because what you write is FABULOUS!
Congratulations! I’m proud and jealous — way to set a goal and then proudly accomplish it. I biked across the country (Seattle to DC) in 2006 — but it was a journey of sadness and stubbornness; more about loss than success. I hope to re-do the journey someday with my husband and children and find the happiness in the trip!
Elizabeth K,
I am so happy you stopped in to visit! You biked across the country? Holy Cramped Muscles Bat Fans…I am super impressed…because I don’t think I could bike myself down the street…I’m always in awe of those that can! I hope you re-do the journey in a better, happier time!
xxoo
Peggy
Wow Peggy! Your story is inspiring. I practiced yoga for three years religiously and I kickboxed too! For me, when I was doing those two together, I was in the best shape of my life. But then my life got in the way (marriage, work, kids) and something had to give. I look forward to coming back to it one day.
Starting my blog was huge for me. And now returning to work and maintaining it as well as these connections in the blogosphere are proving to be a test of strength. One in which I intend to persevere.
I’m also looking forward to starting my own business. But I’m taking baby steps with that one. I have to get a business plan together and then take the plunge.
If only there were about 30 hours in a day!
Hi Carolyn,
I hear ya! One reason this achievement in kickboxing is so important to me is that I USED to practice Tae Kwon Do. I started this back in 1994ish as something to do with my daughters…life happened and I quit when I was a BROWN BELT. I was almost there…and I quit. Here I am nearly 11 years after I quit…about to become a recommended black belt. This is HUGE for me
Hmmm…I think I should have a party here next Thursday…yes? no?
Party? What kind of party? I’m always in favor of parties. How in the world would you know that about me?!?
So I vote yes. If there’s a party to be had, you’d better have it.
Aha! Reread your post – a celebration would certainly be in order. I’ll be looking for you in my reader Sept 24th so that I can offer my congratulations!
Truly, we do have some opportunities in life. It’s just a matter of which one we will grab. Many people made wrong choices and regret it, but for me all is but lessons. Every opportunity we grab we must learn from our mistakes and grow from our success.
We must chose the things on which we will grow and attain our true potential.
Hi Walter!
Me, too. I’ve made some weird choices in my life (like my first husband) but I don’t regret it (or him). I’ve learned so much from my mis-takes that I’m super qualified to be a Teacher
Thanks for stopping by today and sharing your wisdom!
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
Such an inspiration, you are. I love you your came to realize if you really wanted something, it was us to you to create it by making the commitment.
I have passed up on a few opportunities – some I regret, some I don’t but I have learned that which I really want, I have to work for.
Congratulations to you for all you’ve achieved and continue to aim for. I’ve no doubt you’ll do it and will soon be sharing that story with us, as well. (You will be sharing it, right?)
Hi Barbara!
There’s this saying I picked up about five years ago: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” I am the creator of my future, my dreams, my life. We all are
And I promise, I will be sharing my achievement to recommended black belt next week…I’m really liking the idea of having a party here on the blog to celebrate it! Can you bring the cake?
Peggy, your accomplishments are impressive, and this post is (again!) so well timed. I say I want something – and get it, even – but then when it starts to look different than what I imagined I think, “I want something else.” I don’t always realize two key things:
- I have a fickle mind, but a very certain heart (so I need to stop listening to my mind so much and following it’s asinine leads!).
- I need to demonstrate more patience and let things take root before I decide if they should stay or should go; snap judgments never served anyone, including me.
Thank you for this post today!
Hi Megan!
Right now, this very morning, I don’t feel very impressive
I think my hair hurts! But, I’m three classes away from testing…and if I keep thinking about *that* maybe the pain in my muscles will go away…
I’m so happy the timing was right for you to read this! Maybe it’s a SIGN? (Sorry, had to get that in there…I still think that was one of the best articles you wrote that I’ve read!)
xxoo
Peggy
Great motivational post! I found your blog through Positively Present. I love how you found your niche in teaching and what you wanted to teach. Most of the time, I have to keep reminding myself of my long-term goals when going through the mud of the short-term. Like, right now my boyfriend and I live 2 hours away from each other and only spend time every other weekend. As hard as it feels now, I have to keep my goal in mind of saving money to finally buy a house and be together again in the future.
Hi Marci!
Congratulations – your comment was the 400th comment on this blog! WaHOOO! I don’t have any prizes to give away, but will a virtual High 5 do?
keep in mind with any goal we set we sometimes have to sacrifice the short term in order for the long term gain. Stay focused on your desired outcome and I guarantee that it will come a lot faster than you expected!
Yay!! Thanks for the high-5! I love imaginary high-5s.
Sometimes I give out ‘air high-5s’ to people across the room.
Wow, well congrats on having such a great blog for people to want to comment on! And thanks for the encouragement.
Peggy,
Congratulations! What amazing things you have done with your time.
A few months back I decided I wanted to get fluent in Spanish again. It was my major in college. I used to be bilingual but if you don’t use it you lose it.
So I took a book of CDs and checked them out of the library. Of course not only did I fail to open it I kept kidding myself and returned them late and owed a fee.
So one opportunity I don’t want to pass by me is getting fluid in Spanish again. The crazy thing is I know it won’t take long.
I’ll let you know when I’ve accomplished this!
Hi Tess!
I’m waving my Pink Princess Magical Fairy Wand over you (well, virtually that is) If I can get my black belt (after quitting the journey 10 years ago, only to start again from scratch in 2007) you can become fluent en espanol again! GO FOR IT!!
xxoo
Peggy
You so ROCK, Peggy! I will be thinking of you and cheering you next Thursday, and using the energy of that moment to move me to something incredible. Thank-you!
I had a great conversation with a friend just today about the power and infusion of energy that comes from creating a goal or a project that seems almost unattainable. We challenged each other to set a fresh one for the new season coming up. Since I usually have more than enough ideas, I’ve decided to take 30 minutes every morning to flush out my seemingly disparate dreams by writing longhand about them, then doing something active in nature and listening while inspiration comes to me.
Since the first day of fall is September 22nd, I’d better get moving! Thank-you again for being a real-life female inspiration. Love it!
Good morning Melanee!
I LOVE your fall challenge! I write a lot in long hand…something about my brain connecting with my right hand, making it move the pen across my journal page or one of my index cards…Bravo you you!
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