I believe in the power of positivity. Maybe I am a fool, or someone who does not understand how life really works, but I think that there can be a lot more happiness in the world. I think it is time for us to all stop convincing ourselves that what we do or say does not matter. I think it is time we shake things up with positivity and martial arts.
We need to start making sense of our world and affecting positive change. I am slightly tired of people saying, “There is nothing I can do,” or “It’s going to take a lot more than just me to make a difference.” The truth is that you are too busy giving up or being lazy to realize that what you do and say is going to influence others someway, somehow.
Common sense is one of my best attributes, and common sense tells me that we can all work together to strengthen the bond of our communities, our environments, and our world. When one person fights a battle alone, it is very difficult to win. When many step up and the army is strengthened, there is a better chance of success for everyone. While the word “battle” sounds negative, we can battle for good, together!
Martial artists, in many ways, are similar to an army battling for a good cause. Groups of people learn defense, skills, and techniques together and create a cohesive bond through martial arts. They see that martial arts offer physical exercise, but even more importantly, a strong mental balance. Like being part of a team, martial artists share a common mentality, and recognize that personal victories contribute to the good of all. We need to stretch that mentality into our everyday lives, and the lives of others.
Our world today is anything but peaceful, but that does not mean we should lose hope every time tragedy strikes. In fact, tough times are the exact reasons why we, as martial artists, must connect together. We are equipped to push back on tragedy and forge toward triumph.
Focusing on the bad and never the good is a trap, and it will grab you and entice you into its snare. Martial artists have the responsibility to learn, encourage, or teach. There is no place for lost hope in martial arts. In fact, a martial art practice is one of the most hopeful places to be. Every martial artist hopes for personal achievement, growth, and success.
Martial arts remind you of that you should never limit yourself. The other night I learned a new board break. I tried over and over, but I was getting frustrated. My instructor said, “You’ve got this.” He told me to focus and he clarified my technique. Finally, and surprisingly, I cracked through the board. I guess if you saw me, you may have thought I just won a million dollars. Instinctively, I tossed my hands in the air in relief and victory, and he smiled and clapped, too.
This very small moment was full of hope and accomplishment. It was only one of a million moments in the day, but it felt more amazing and exciting than any other. If this type of accomplishment made me feel so great, then my wish is that others could feel the same energy and bask in the greatness of their own moments, too. It was a wake up call that many are not living all of their moments in the best way possible. We can help each other. Positive energy flows from one to another, as long as we encourage and allow it.
No, I will never accept the excuse that we cannot make a difference. Everyone, including martial artists, have the opportunity to spread positive messages and teachings far and wide. While there is a lot of strife and tragedy in the world today, we cannot give up hope. We can make a difference through our words, actions, and lead by example. Follow your heart and your responsibility. What we do and say matters! Finally, if you are a martial artist, remember this very important reminder. With your help, martial arts can transform the world.
xoxo
Andrea
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I can’t say it enough. Thank you for all your positive thoughts that help me and slow me to help others . I can’t wait for you book to come out. Your a wonderful person. Thank you again. Oss
Thank you so much, Gary. That means a lot to me.
hermoso mensaje
Ossu and kaboom! Thank you!
Great to be positive.
Excellent post!
You’re right on about how transformative the martial arts can be. Leaders emerge from the training and come to understand that they must work hard and live by the black belt oath to make their communities better. Speaking of fireworks moments, back on Wednesday, June 8th, I graduated from ITT Tech! What made it so special was that I had a lot of people who were there in support(including my parents). But, I got a real sense that I felt as if I could really go out in the world and do something big. But, the graduation has also given me the passion to go after my dream of becoming a successful writer. Goals feel doable now. As always, it is the man upstairs who is in control of it all. And you’re so very right when you said that we must not let the evils of this world cause us to turn away from the light of hope. It’s as the saying goes:” The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burk. But, as you said, we can do something. We can inspire others to dream the impossible dream, to live in the present, not worrying about what was in the past, or what the future holds. We can be the better people who don’t give in to petty issues, and who stand tall in the face of the unknown. That’s a true martial artist. And a true leader. You’re awesome, my friend! 🙂
Thank you, Anwar!
What a great blog, so uplifting,really powerful, waiting to read more
Thanks for sharing your journey with us, it’s great to have a place online to go and read something positive and encouraging. Keep it up!
Thank you for reading and commenting! Make yourself at home here 🙂