Day 54

I do not like talking about something until it has actually happened, so now I can officially write about this. I have been in Taekwondo for 20 years. I stopped for a while when I was in college and graduate school, but it has always been a lifetime goal of mine to test for my 3rd degree black belt. I was going to test about three years ago, but hurt my knee a week before my testing, in which I later had surgery for. I knew one day I would fulfill my goal and dream to become a 3rd degree black belt, but with school and work, I did not know exactly when it was going to happen. But 2014 led to be the right time. I decided to go back to train and my instructor gave me a long list of requirements I had to complete in order to get permission to test. Let me just say, it was a journey. I was discouraged at times, but I had a great support system. My whole Taekwondo class was rooting for me. They would stay after class to help me. There were days I would leave crying. I even cried one day in class. It was physically and mentally draining at times. But I still carried on. And yesterday, I tested. I had to do my form, a weapon, multiple sparring matches, ground fighting, and three board breaks. And I did it. I passed my testing and am now a 3rd degree black belt. It was all forth it. I am so grateful I did not give up. 

My point to today's blog is not for me to talk about my Taekwondo journey, but to remember to thank the people who have helped you in your life. I live by this notion and preach and write about it often, as my daily followers know. With that said, I dedicate today's blog to the people who helped me train  for my testing: my supportive parents, my Taekwondo instructors, all my fellow students who kept my spirits high when they saw I needed them lifted, and the ones in my life who listened to me vent about how nervous I was as it got closer to testing week. You individually know who you are, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.

Nothing in life is worth anything if you do not have anyone to share it with. I am glad you were apart of this journey of mine and I was able to share it with all of you.