In recent years, my life has evolved in so many ways and on so many levels. As I reflect on my journey toward earning my 2nd degree black belt, I realize that this accomplishment is a significant symbol and representation of my entire being and who I have become - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It represents a new level of achievement that I never imagined would belong to me.
As long as I can remember, I never sought or enjoyed the spotlight. I didn’t like attention placed on me, and I was perfectly happy staying anonymous and unnoticed in many situations. I grew up without siblings close in age, so I was in essence an “only child.” However, I was somewhat gregarious and social, and I enjoyed being around others who I felt close to. Although never intentional, I look back and realize that I was always most comfortable and received great fulfillment in supporting others in their pursuits. As a child, teenager and young adult, I was always very happily in the position of supporting the people important to me—in their careers, interests and dream-chasing. I truly found satisfaction in helping others achieve. I was a counselor helping children in camp, a teacher of middle school students, and worked in several positions at universities helping adults learn the technical skills necessary to earn their veterinary doctorates, and my most significant supporting role—a mom. I have had a diversity of experiences, yet all very similar at the core. For a brief period as a young adult, I was bothered by the fact that I never had any BIG DREAMS for myself—career aspirations that I felt truly passionate about, or any interests that lit a burning desire within me. But what I WAS passionate about was my relationships with my loved ones, and as far back as I can remember, being “a mom” was my deepest aspiration. I evolved to feeling true contentment, fulfillment and pride in this ultimate supporting role and my ultimate career choice of motherhood.
My path to achieving my 1st degree black belt represented a new sense of independence and individuality I was discovering in myself at that time. I was developing another layer to my being, and earning that belt represented my highest level of accomplishment that I had truly worked on only for myself. It coincided with a transitional time in my life where I truly was becoming independent and discovering who I was as an individual.
Since that time, my training and life experiences continue to parallel, and my journey toward 2nd degree has been a symbolic representation of my life. This next level of achievement represents another level of maturity for me--physically, emotionally, in my spirit and in my relationships with everyone around me. With the continued practice and strengthening of my foundational basic martial arts techniques while also learning challenging and exciting new advanced techniques toward second degree, I have really developed a sense of confidence in my abilities and have felt the fire being lit within me to achieve the next level. While I continue to love the part of me who supports the accomplishments of my loved ones around me, I can honestly say that I am more peaceful, fulfilled and content since I discovered the importance of nurturing myself as well. The care, love and attention we give to ourselves will truly allow us to have more to give to others.
My family is the most important part of my life, above all else. Without the love I receive from each one of them, no accomplishment would mean a thing to me. My children bring me laughter, joy, and a deep sense of purpose…Matthew grounds me—his gentle energy calms me and inspires me, and I love that he is my “senior” as a black belt…Missy has such a spiritual intelligence and a direct connection to the source, that I know she will be my teacher one day. Her love of nature and God is true and beautiful…Michael keeps me in check and loves me no matter what. His emotional maturity always amazes me, and he makes me want to always be better…Michelle has such a deep intelligence but also a softness and caring heart that is so endearing. I so look forward to seeing the wonderful woman she will become…Crystal makes me feel loved and treasured as a mom, which truly touches me. Her honest affection, hugs and kisses are felt deep within my soul…and my 6th child, Joe—he is my supporter, cheerleader, loyal friend and champion. He helps us, protects us and cherishes us as his own family and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.
And finally…to Marco, love of my life. I can’t even write his name without tears filling my eyes. Of course, his guidance as my martial arts master has supported me and helped me achieve my accomplishments as a martial artist, and I am truly proud of the lessons I have learned. I’ve reached levels I never imagined possible because of his faith in my abilities. But far beyond what he has given me as a martial artist, he has given me so much more as my friend, partner, husband and soul mate. He has opened my heart and filled it with so much peace and love I never knew existed, and taught me how to truly feel and express that love. I feel such gratitude every single day to be blessed with his love, companionship and encouragement. My world is wonderful because of him.
The achievement of my 2nd degree is so much more than a new gold stripe on my belt. It is another level of maturity in my life, a new chapter beginning, and the excitement of more achievement to come personally, professionally, as well as in my martial art. It has given me the confidence that I can achieve, and the desire to strive for even higher goals in the future, knowing I WILL get there…and those accomplishments will be even sweeter, with my loved ones around me, and knowing that I will still always be there to support THEM.
