I can really feel a great energy at Northstar this year. New decade new life. I am loving being back teaching and presenting and being involved in the back end of the dojo. After training and teaching for 30 years I still get the greatest pleasure out of the power I gain from helping others. Thankyou for giving me that opportunity.

The workshop last saturday was a great success, and really consolidated the fundamentals of the great Shinbudo system. More than just a physical exercise, Shinbudo is a philosphy that can shape every aspect of your life. The essence being: be calm, be still, and respond.

As I sit here and write, I ponder over what has helped me to overcome some very large obastables and barriers that have presented themselves over the years. Barriers that have really pulled me down yet, through it all what was it that kept me putting one foot in front of the other. I will share a couple with you.

Perseverance.
It's just too easy to give up. While others were stopping I was still moving forward. The limitations were the same as others, but I just kept picking myself up, dusting myself off and looking at new ways to approach the barrier.

Resilience.
Taking the hits is all part of the journey. We all take great hits, it's how you process it. Yes be down for a while, yes grieve the loss, yes be depressed, but find the light by taking action, any action.

Commitment
Sticking to your choice and applying perseverance and reslience. I always followed through on what I said I was going to do. If I make the choice to do something then that is what I do. I always make careful choices.

Life can be a school of hard knocks sometimes and it often appears that there is no end in sight. But all that happens will pass and the lessons learned from each experience will hopefully prepare you to better navigate what your next challenge.

Don't just give up, finish what you set out to do. Don't go looking for greeners pastures when you may have exactly what you need in front of you. So many people quit when they are so close to winning.

Hope this helps your day.

Andy
andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au