Blown away

This week I started out being sick with the brutal flu that has been going around. I went through the worst of it monday and tuesday. I was finally able to eat something late tuesday nite and keep it down. Then being the stubborn guy I am I went to kung fu class on wedsnesday nite. I took something for the sniffles and headache I still had and figured I would just do what I could. We ended up testing for our blue and yellow stripes that nite. I already had both, but have always believed that just because you have a stripe doesn't mean you can slack on it. Blue stripe testing was not bad. I didn't have as much power as I usually do, but I don't think my form was totally sucky. Then we hit the fitness test. Push-ups went better then I thought they would, sit-ups ok. Then we hit roundhouses and I started to run out of gas. I didn't go full speed, instead I tried to concentrate on good form and technique and got through the kicks. Then burpies began. Oh my did I hit rock bottom. By 10 I was completely gassed and struggling. Even Sifu Lietz came over to see if I was ok. Some how I got all 20 done, but it took everything I had to complete. It wasn't til well after class that I realized the change that has occured in me. A year ago, I would have just stayed home, thought I'm sick I don't need to go to class. My mindset has changed dramatically from then. Now I want to go to class and do the best I can no matter how I feel. I am no longer satisfied with just doing enough. I want to do the best I can and push my limits whenever possible. I like the drive I am developing and I look forward to where it is going to take me as I continue my journey in kung fu.
Now for my blown away part this week. I help out with the kids classes on tuesdays and thursdays. I really enjoy doing it and I learn so much from the kids each and everyday. It is very rewarding to be able to give something back to the school and I look forward to it each and every day. This last thursday, one of the yellow belts gave me a hand drawn thank you card. She said it was for helping her so much with her kung fu. I was completely floored and I really didn't know how to respond at first. I did tell her that I should thank her, because I get so much enjoyment from helping all the kids in the classes. It dawned on me that I don't thank those that teach me as much as I should. So here is a start to that, "Thank You" everyone in my classes and to all the Sihings and Sifus that teach and inspire me each and every day. I am truly lucky that I didn't let the opportunity pass me by when my son challenged me to start kung fu. I am also lucky to be part of such an amazing, inspiring, caring and motivating family that is Silent River Kung Fu.