1st Place!!!

It's been WAY too long since I've blogged. I even feel guilty about this. And it's kind of like that phone call that you need to make, but don't. So the longer you wait the more guilty you feel, yet you KNOW that you still need to make that call ... and you don't. It's classic procrastination, and I'm guilty.

I can't believe that my last post was May. I'm going to make a serious effort to keep regular posts coming. It's a great way to track my progress, a terrific outlet for me, and also WAY cheaper than a therapist! :-)

Well, here's my motivation for posting today ... I entered my first formal ATA TKD Victory Intra-School Tournament and took home 1st place in Sparring!!!

When I sat on the mat and waited for my group (which consisted of 9 opponents), I thought back to the first months of my TKD quest. It feels like forever ago, even though it's only been 6 months. These 6 months have been life changing for me. I've lost 25 pounds, gone down 2 dress sizes, gained muscle mass, flexibility, agility and I've regained confidence in myself. I feel like I've finally found something to be passionate about that put the zest back into my life. And quite frankly, I feel like I'm 20 years old again. My life is so much fun now!

It certainly hasn't been easy. Every week is filled with sweat, tears, bruises, blood, scrapes, pain beyond what I have ever imagined, frustration, wanting to quit sometimes, and it has been so worth it all!

Every time I step on that mat, I am fully aware that the only person that I'm really competing against is me. It's about always giving 100% (even when I don't feel like it), taking my successes to new heights and turning my failures into successes through intense focus, work and perseverance.

I've got so much to accomplish and to learn. It's the journey along the way that is the best part - and it's what you make it. The "old me" was so focused on the end result, that I forgot to savor the moments in between. Not anymore. I am very proud to be a camo belt and building the foundation of my TKD skills/art one stone at a time. One belt at a time.

So, I've grown through these belt colors thus far: White, Orange, Yellow and finally Camo. Next week my instructor will be testing me for Green!

So, for now I'm signing off to go celebrate with my baby girl and my very supportive husband! I am going to treat myself to a bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries!

Kiyap!!!!