I’ve evolved. Haven’t you?
Eight years ago I began this little mission called, The Martial Arts Woman, essentially one woman’s (me!) vision of changing the world for the better through positivity and martial arts. I began promoting this little mission with a handful of semi-professional photos that a work mate took of me in a blue martial art uniform doing kicks. I remember the first time posting one of those photos. I wondered,
“What will people think of me? Will they think I am showing off? Will they think I’m kicking wrong? Will they pick apart my motivation?”
Certainly, no one can question me for my concerns. After all, social media is both a good and an evil in many ways! Keyboard warriors find their way to your space and have nothing nice to say. When you begin something new, your confidence wavers. But, lesson learned. I found my place, my mission took root, and my evolution began all because of those nice photos in the blue uniform.
EVOLUTION TAKES TIME
Evolution takes time and sometimes it is scary. We find comfort in the status quo and we often wish we can turn back the hands of time. Do you ever look back in time and think that you have changed for the worse? Maybe you you are older, bigger or grayer. You think that your evolution is not a good thing. You wish that you were that stick-thin younger person because darn, you looked so good back then! Hindsight is an incredible creature. It tricks you into thinking that was the best time of your life and you will never feel the same way again. Those days are done and now you’ve lost the luster of who you once were. You think about giving up on your hopes and dreams. But why?
Today is the best day ever to engage with your destiny!
THE TRUTH
The truth is, you never really change. Your hair may change, you may gain or lose a few too many pounds. But the you on the inside is stronger, bolder, and braver. Your wisdom cannot be denied. Personally, I’m a mother of four. My youngest is now 18 so I have no more children, only adults. I think back on the days of their childhood and embellish the memories because motherhood is so beautiful. I was a good mother, but I still am a good mother. My role evolved, but it is still perfect in so many ways. My success simply depends on how I choose to see it.
SUCCESS
So, what about success? I have come a long way in the past eight years, from those simple photographs in the blue uniform, to this blog, to becoming a podcaster and co-host of a live Facebook show, writing three books, and being interviewed myself on too many podcasts to mention. I still strive for success and absently think I may never achieve it.
I suppose even the Oprah Winfrey’s of the world question their own success, because it is illusive. The more you reach for it, the more slippery the slope becomes and curves in unknown directions. Of all the things I’ve done in the past eight years, I cannot pinpoint the one thing that screams, “You are successful.” In many ways, it is the combination of all things that contributes to my passion, which is my success. I wouldn’t say there are a lot of extra dollars in my pocket for all the extra hours of hard work and diligence. But, there are the friends and followers who appreciate my clean cut mannerisms and my virtues and values. I live by my truths and that in itself is the greatest success.
Step back and review your successes. Financial success is not the most important, as it does not even fulfill the most rich people on the earth. They continually strive for success in other areas. They overachieve to retain their current position, and in the quiet moments they are the most grateful for friends and family just like the rest of us. The same rings true for me. I could never be The Martial Arts Woman without the support of my family and friends who believe in me…or who, at the least, allow me to pursue my mission by never hindering it. My evolution is a gift and an acknowledgement that I have all the time I need to pursue my beautiful dreams and passions.
Do you ever listen to a song from the past and feel a tinge of nostalgia grab ahold of your heart for a few moments? That is a beautiful thing. Allow it to seep in because those are the moments from the past that bring you to today. Review your improvements, all the goals you have reached, and how you make the world a better place in your own way. For me, eight years after becoming The Martial Art Woman, I still find myself diligently typing words into a blog post hoping they inspire someone else to find their own truth.
TOMORROW
The evolution continues. I do not know what tomorrow brings, do you? We each have this awesome moment right now to reach for the stars in our own way. It no longer matters what people think of me. Martial arts provided me with the confidence that catapulted me far above those concerns right after I began my mission. Today I recognize that success for me is continuing to live the same vision. I am still about making the world a better place. That’s probably the coolest thing about it all…knowing that I chose to travel a path that is now worn with wear; a path that awaits and welcomes my next steps.
Your evolution is not like mine. Yet, our experiences and feelings are similar as we recognize the beauty of each moment that guides us. I still post those pictures of me kicking in the blue uniform. They represent everything about who I am and what I have done. I suppose they will be the pillar of my mission for years to come. What ever delights your imagination is the perfect base for your success.
We all need a starting point, a place from which we jumpstart the magical evolution that allows us to be exactly who we want to be. When you find it, you know. Then, never let it go.
xoxo Andrea
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Congratulations on evolving, yet still being you, Andrea! Keep going! 🙂
Thank you Ando!
Thank you for such a wonderful, thoughtful post. Your words give me a moment to pause, slow down, and just consider the good things around me.
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading it!
Andrea