20260118 - With so much appreciation!

 

With posts about grading, year end and Chinese New Year approaching, it got Alana and I reminiscing about when we graded. 

For both of us they were landmarks in our lives, moments of extreme proudness and humility in the same breath. We agreed it was hard, lots of sweat, dedication, and prioritization, but so worth every effort. 

Speaking solely for myself, I can honestly say my years in Kung Fu were so appreciated and to be allowed on the mats a privilege, through and through. Kung Fu was the “one” thing in my adult life that I did for me. It is one accomplishment that I will always treasure and never forget. 

Silent River helped find me, shaped me. I was more lost than I ever knew. I pushed and redefined myself; to this day I live with morals that I may not have if it wasn’t for the enlightenment that Kung Fu and it’s Sifus of that time and previous to them brought to me.

This year was not like any that I have been a part of while attending Silent River…my physical life this year was also not like any that I have ever experienced. 

I put my life experiences into this year of challenges with hopes of being better and learning more about myself. 

I’d say this year went well. Knowing who I was in these challenges years back, especially the mental challenges of the setbacks and having to adapt. I was not very good at handling the one step forward and two step back scenarios. It’s still not a favourable scenario but this year I adapted well, took ownership of the situation(s), learnt (continue to), worked through them and grew in knowledge and in the process.  The name of my blogger account - “Finding My Breath”, meaning, what brings me life - learn more about me. I tested and learnt…my plan is make sure I don’t lose this mindset.

The thing that I’d like to share about all of this. We will all have highs and lows in our lives, in those moments we may not understand the true meaning behind it all, but at some point they come to fruition. Enjoy and accept every day’s challenges…the importance, I feel, is that we grow from them all.

Last but not least, I thank all my year of the snake teammates and Sifus, I have learnt from each and every one of you. I wish you all understanding and all the power in the world to live in and appreciate every moment with the ability to grow from it all.