Let it go.  Leg go of the stress, the obstacles, the worries, and the fears. They only inhibit you from being the person you are meant to be. Once you focus on these negative feelings, it is difficult to move past them. You begin to believe that you have no potential, cannot reach your goals, or have nothing to offer. So, stop “crying,” and start “defining” who you want to be.

You are not alone. Most of the people in the world feel stress, and it is natural. Even worry has its place. If you could potentially  be attacked, then some stress and worry is probably warranted. Walking down a dark street, finding yourself alone in a scary place, or being surrounded by a gang is a bit stressful and you must use that stress and worry to elicit your power within. In the natural course of the day, however, allowing yourself to stress over every little thing, or worrying about what is going to happen next, will inhibit your satisfying and productive life.

I love kicks simply because they are a reflection of a woman who will not let change stifle her. The reason I incorporate them into my life is because they are the perfect example of continual growth and achievement. They remind me (and you) that age does not matter. Change can happen at any time. The positive side of that is that goals can be set and achieved at every stage of life.

You may think, right now, that there is no way to reach your dreams or goals. There is only no way if that is what you believe. Once you open your mind and explore the options, you will find a way. When I look back on my life, I realize that I have made some amazing decisions, even when afraid or stressed. Looking back, I am grateful that I did. If not for these decisions, I would not have sought my passions, created a mission of positivity, or discovered my own personal, powerful vision.

Every change, whether it feels right and positive, or it feels unexpected or scary, has the potential to define who you are. How you emerge is completely up to you. When you recover, will you use the experiences, emotions and reactions to your benefit, or will  they inhibit you?

Pursuing martial arts was a scary change for me way back when. Practicing through pregnancies was not easy.  Finding new instructors through the years was daunting. Reminding myself to keep martial arts as a powerful resource in my life took resolution. These were my martial art struggles. My life struggles and choices helped to mold who I am today.

• When no one else was doing it, we decided to home school my kids. Friends and family were against it and vocalized their opinions. My kids today, ages 24, 19, 16, and 14, are truly amazing people, musicians, entrepreneurs, martial artists, and all have gone to college beginning at age 14 or 15. It worked out.
• When decided to build a house, we did not choose any house. We built a steel kit house, mostly with our own hands and the help of subcontractors. We lived in the unfinished house for five years with no electricity to get the job done. All of my family learned that the only thing you really need in life, is each other.
• When I decided to write books, I reflected back on my college professor mentor, who told me I was not worthy of entering the education program after studying literature. I did not fit the mold, and in her stifling and unforgiving way, she would not recommend me to follow my heart’s passion of teaching or writing. It was always in the back of my mind, and after writing 2 books, and teaching martial arts half a lifetime, I see that nothing can change the path for which you are destined and that you deserve.

One thing to always remember:

Success lives on the other side of discomfort.

Life is full of change and if you try to remain the same, you will wilt like a flower. Your petals will fall. But, when you stand up and face change and look it straight in the eye and say “Where am I going from here?” with hope and anticipation, you will grow into the amazing person you are meant to be.

xoxo

Andrea