Written by Yesterday, Sensei Oliver endowed a black stripe to my brown belt, indicating that I am officially in testing for my black belt. Even though I have been on the journey for a few months now, it felt more “real” seeing the black stripe on my belt. I (and 3 of my peers) are officially doing it. It made me nervous all over again for the trials to come. Although I am keeping up fairly well, even thinking about the actual test day gives me anxiety. Will I be able to complete all the trials? Will I be able to endure the actual test? It can be overwhelming to think about but I know we can all do it. Getting encouragement from my fellow dojomates is a huge help. As we get closer to halfway, it’s no longer so far off as to not think about it yet. I have to stay sharp and focused. Rule #1: NO QUITTING! I consider this to be more of an accomplishment than most things I have already done in my life and I want to be as ready as I can be. Just keep it up.
Pushups
(50,450 / 50,000)
Situps
(50,450 / 50,000)
Miles
(1,155 / 1,000)
Kata
(1,086 / 1,000)
Kumite
(1,006 / 1,000)
Kindness
(1,185 / 1,000)
Meditation
(5,394 / 5,000)
Books
(6 / 6)
Blogs
(52 / 52)
Videos
(11 / 12)
Congratulations on getting your black stripe. You are not alone in how you feel. I have the same worries. I hope all the training we are doing will prepare us for that day. I feel like the challenge is a whole year not just that one day. We complete the year we have succeeded. We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be the best versions of ourselves.
Very well said Elan! I know we will all overcome the challenge