When I was living in Florida, I often practiced martial arts in my front yard. There is something very calming about kicking under a pretty blue sky, or performing some diligent, choreographed martial art moves in the fresh air. Somehow, even though it was just outside my front door, I felt worlds away from everything else. I turned inward to focus on who I was, and who I wanted to be.

I dressed the part, too, even though I was at home. I put on my uniform pants, a comfortable shirt, but left the shoes behind. Even though the paved driveway was rather smooth, it was still dirty, but that did not really bother me. I wanted to feel the curl of my toes while stretching my leg out for a kick, and grasp the ground with the sole of my other foot.

It’s all about balance isn’t it? Martial art balance, life balance, and “you” balance.

Many people use everyday stress to overlook positivity. They get caught in the rut of the day-to-day grind, and allow negativity to prevent them from breaking free. There is no grind, unless you decide there is a grind. What if you called each day an opportunity, or an adventure, instead of a grind? That is positivity in progress. That is how you change the negative to the positive.

For me, positivity, like practicing a martial art outside, is something I really want to “feel.” I want to dig my toes into it, and grasp it in my hands. I want to squeeze out the negative thoughts that keep me from pursuing my goals and dreams because of fear or worry.

Every time I face a martial art skill task or technique with which I am not comfortable, my first thought is always, “I can’t do THAT!” A moment later, I put positivity into gear. I decide, “I CAN do that, with a little practice.”  All that changed was my perspective.

As a martial art instructor, I have the chance to shed a positive light all the time. When a very young student grabs my hand to ask, “Sensei, are we going to play a game today?” I always answer with an encouraging and positive smile, and he or she smiles back. My positivity spreads without much effort. It reminds others, even children, that they are worth my time and attention, and that they are important.

Martial arts and positivity have a lot in common. Both require practice. Both are empowering. Both build a strong mindset. Both help you to overcome obstacles.

When I sink my toes into the ground to balance my kick, I have all the expectation in the world that I will be able to execute that kick with precision and grace. Balancing the kick is no different from balancing your life. Start to expect positive and meaningful experiences in your life. Proactively seek good interactions.

Balance your life with positivity and change your expectations from “I cannot” to “I can.” You will be surprised what happens.

xoxo

Andrea

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