On my drive to work this morning, I contemplated about what I would tell others that might make a difference in their lives, if given a chance.  What could I say or remind them that would shake them up a little, push them a little,  or give them inspiration to pursue their hopes and dreams.  What would it be?  The first thought that easily slid into my mind is this:  “You are more.”

More what?

You are more than you ever imagined.  You are more than you ever thought you could be.  You are more than you realize.

If you look in the mirror, chances are that you see a person who you like fairly well.  Surely there are some things you wish you could change; maybe the sneaky wrinkles edging their way in, or the wrong color eyes, or the mole on your nose, or the shape of your body. Like everything in life, you are likely to focus on a negative or a weakness every time you see your reflection in the shiny mirrored surface.  There is only one way to shift the focus from the things you don’t like, to those you do.  Your beautiful smile, twinkle in your eye, or the very mole or spot somewhere that defines you differently than every other person in the world, are all positive, beautiful traits. The shift starts with the realization that you are more.

Sometimes, when I practice martial arts, I look in the big expansive mirror at the school.  If I don’t do a cross check in the mirror here and there, I don’t always realize that I’m taking too short of a step or that I am out of balance from where I should be.  These weaknesses that pop up make me feel less than I am.  Less worthy.  Less skilled.  Less…me.  It is okay to figure out what your weaknesses are so you can improve, but not okay to dwell on them.  In this case, less is not more and less is not helpful.  Only when I look at the bigger picture, the grace, the thoughtfulness, the concentration, do I begin to see the truth again. I’m far from doing any of it the right way.  I learn and then I learn again.  Each time I recognize another piece to the puzzle.  I finally notice that my foot is not where it should be, or that my knee is not aligned with a kick. Like a light bulb over my head, the correct movements come to light.  I am not less than before, I am more.  The key to becoming more, is to continually grow and achieve. The confidence that martial arts builds is one important way that you start to become more.  You can lay your worries aside, all your responsibilities and difficulties, and improve yourself.

In the quest to better yourself, never start by focusing too much on specifics.  You may, in fact, hinder your progress by being too worried about too many insignificant things in the beginning. I’ve learned a few lessons along the way.  One is that you should not worry about the details when you are first learning something.  First, you have to understand the concept and see if you can remember the order of what you need to do. Later, if corrected, you can then store the corrections in your mind for another practice. It all flows together.  For me, I can use the mirror image as a way to see the overall picture.  I need to allow the reflection to show that I am becoming more.

In order to realize your potential, you need to be open to seeing the bigger picture about your life.  Right now you may be stuck in a job you do not like; or, you may feel like you lack direction.  All of this is temporary.  Jobs can come and go.  Direction can be established. Emotions can be mended.  You need to clarify your vision of who you want to be, first, before any of that will fall into place.  I’ll concede, changes won’t come all that easily by just reflecting on them; however, you will start to feel better about your life.  To hope, to see the big picture when learning, is to realize that you are so much more than you allow yourself to think.

Martial arts are very interesting because you can see potential explode.  The most shy student suddenly shows leadership; the unfocused student finds precision; and the older student reaches a milestone.  None of them knew they could do any of it.  None ever looked in the mirror and saw leadership, focus, or achievement staring back.

Of course, I am a prime example.  Stepping in the martial art school on day one I was just being dragged along by my husband.  I never suspected that I would remain in the class, or wake up 26 years later still trying to be a better martial artist.  Fortunately, I never achieve the level I desire!  That is the catalyst for me to continue.  The most important lesson I’ve learned through all these years is not the physicality of what I practice, it is the disservice I’ve done to myself in the past by focusing on what I am not, rather than on what I am.

I am not less; I am more.

Andrea