“The only wisdom we can hope to acquire
Is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless.” – T.S. Eliot
Last month I started taking martial arts classes at Boulder Quest Center. I am a white belt (lowest belt rank) and have 12 more belts to earn and at least four years of training before achieving a black belt.
Why start something new at age 43, when I could continue to get better at things I do already like skiing, swimming, biking, running, etc.?
For me this is an opportunity to start at the beginning and become a student again. I like to learn. Learning is one of my top five strengths (or talents) according to StrengthFinders.
I’ve always wanted to become a black belt. It so happens that I like the practical ninja training style – To-Shin Do – and the dojo is within walking distance of my house so a double plus.
I like the challenge to continually improve. I also get to move in new ways plus punching and kicking a bag is a tremendous stress reliever.
Frankly, I’m bored with the other things I’m doing. True, I can to tweak my swimming each week and *maybe* go a little bit faster. Or, I can go to Boulder Quest where each class brings news experiences and I get to meet new and exciting people who I would probably never cross paths with except in class.
Starting something new is scary, humbling and uncertain. But, maybe getting “unstuck” from a safe, confidence, certain routine is exactly what we all need.
Live life fully!
David