Written by “Finding my battle rhythm” is a phrase my client uses often. A 25-year Air Force veteran, she served half her time supporting special operations and 3 years in combat zones. It’s simply the way she thinks. Efficiency is using time wisely and being strategic includes rest to increase efficiency, according to my friend.
We are almost through month one of the challenge. I’m still finding my battle rhythm of doing all I need to do each day while also playing “catch up” in those areas that have been difficult to add into my daily life. And let’s not forget being strategic — to do this without rest is unwise. I’m beginning to see the unwanted physical effects that pushing myself so much bring on — less muscle tone in certain areas, increased fatigue, and emotional frustration rising more quickly to the surface. What aspects of my life need to be on pause until this is complete? Where else can I find support to continue the journey?
When I began my karate training, my daughter’s illness was just beginning to manifest. My sensei at the time, Master Rigby, would look kindly at me on the hard days and say “This too shall pass.” There was no known end date for that season. Although it’s passed, my daughter will always have OCD and we will all always have to deal with it. But this challenge has an end date of July 2027. This challenge will definitively pass. And no matter the outcome, I’ll be the better for it. Until then, I’ll just keep leaning into it and find my battle rhythm.
Note: the image is of the Full Moon on the night I facilitated my first firewalk.
The first month is one of the most difficult months. The body takes some time to adapt to all the new physical exercises you are doing. I tried to do a little bit every day. For example, It does take time to build up to the amount of pushups and sit ups needed to be done to complete the challenge. I started with 40 and increased a little more each week until I reached the amount that was enough to complete the challenge. Look are your numbers from the first month a feel that sense of accomplishment.
I know your sit up numbers are not correct. Maybe sensei can fix it.