I didn’t plan to learn a martial art. So, before you start thinking that I was a woman determined to take on the world, the truth is that I had no idea what I was getting in to. It was my husband who suggested that we go to our first martial art class together a year after we were married. He had learned some martial arts as a child and still had an interest.  Looking back, I hated the first class. It was uncomfortable because I had no idea what to expect or what I needed to do. Plus, this martial art methodology was about to break down everything I had ever learned about my role as a woman in society. It involved hitting, punching, kicking, yelling, breaking and throwing, which was basically everything I was ever taught to NOT do.

As you can guess, I managed through that first class and many after. Even though it was not my original idea to attend, and although I hated that first class, martial arts eventually became a personal endeavor and a great passion and achievement. I found focus, power, and grace and began to apply it all to my daily life. Without it, I would have never asked myself, “How did I get here?”  This question was the opportunity for me  to clarify my purpose and path. The direction of your life is up to you. Take responsibility not just for your actions, but for your success.

A couple of years ago, I had a big goal of getting a poem published in a greeting card. I researched the type of card that would suit my poetry. Five days a week for a year and a half I sent in a few poems. I knew the chances of publishing were slim as only 4% of all submissions received by the company were ever published.  In fact, every poem I sent in was eventually rejected. Finally, I put my poetry pen down for good and shifted gears to other writing projects.  Things happen for a reason, and that we may never know why.  Whether good or bad, everything comes full circle. Surprisingly, more than two years after being rejected, I received an e-mail from the greeting card company. They decided to buy two of my poems from all those years ago to use in an upcoming card line. I was in shock and so excited!

I am so happy that I pursued my goal, even though I did not know what would happen. If I had not, I would never have two poems published in greeting cards  years after I had submitted them. My goal was met even after rejection! Taking action in life is how you get where you want to go to fulfill your goals.  Even if you do not know how it will turn out, keep pushing through and follow your passions and interests. Push fear, rejection, and criticism aside. Only you know what is in your heart. The action you take today will have a direct impact on your life tomorrow.

My initial martial arts classes literally scared me! Finally, though, I realized that everyone starts at the same place, knowing nothing. I was not alone, and even better, people who wanted me to succeed surrounded me. I learned that all the things that I initially thought were contrary to my societal upbringing were not contrary after all, but an integral part of who I am.  They were also tried and true defensive techniques that could save me!  You see, it is all comes down to perspective.  Fight for what you want, trust what you believe, and strive to reach your goals and dreams, even when you do not know what will happen.  Martial arts challenged me to pursue my hopes and dreams and, in the end, I found success.

xoxo

Andrea

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Pick up my motivational books and stay inspired!

The Martial Arts Woman : https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X