I spent Christmas time in Ohio with my family. I used to dread going, but this time, I was actually excited to go. Seeing my family is good, I miss them a lot. Seeing my friends, is really when I see the changes in myself.
There is a group of friends in Ohio that still hold a special place in my heart. The rest of the people there, I finally realized how much of a poison they were to me. Every time I go to visit Will, Casie, Andy and Cliff, they tell me how different I am, and how much I've changed. Sometimes, you just can't see these changes yourself... until someone points them out to you. I've know those four for about, five years now. They've seen me at... pretty much my worst point my life thus far.
It really put into perspective how much all of my changes are really for the better. Each change in my life, I've jumped into head first after careful thought. I packed up all my things into my little car, and drove myself to Michigan one day. I woke up one day, finally wanting to do something with my life, and started Aikido... I was told by many family members what I've done to change my life was brave. I didn't think much of it... It was just something to do. It felt necessary to survive.
My friends pointed out, that I'm happier, I'm more confident, more calm... All the things I wanted for myself since I was very young, I've finally found. I think Aikido, or any form of Martial Art, is a great way to really figure out how to improve yourself. As a student, you are put into a simulated situation, and need to work out how to get through all of it. My Sensei has said it's an”Art to get out of your own way”. I think that's absolutely true.
I know of many things that used to get in my way... Anxieties... anger... depression... Frustration They all would get in my way... and they were all created by me. Lately, the time spent dwelling on these obstacles have shrunk... Don't get me wrong, they still appear, but I now have a few tools to work past these things. Ultimately... this has made me a happier person... though sometimes it takes people from your past to point these things out.
I hope for whoever reads this: That you had a great Holiday season, and also a great New Year!
There is a group of friends in Ohio that still hold a special place in my heart. The rest of the people there, I finally realized how much of a poison they were to me. Every time I go to visit Will, Casie, Andy and Cliff, they tell me how different I am, and how much I've changed. Sometimes, you just can't see these changes yourself... until someone points them out to you. I've know those four for about, five years now. They've seen me at... pretty much my worst point my life thus far.
It really put into perspective how much all of my changes are really for the better. Each change in my life, I've jumped into head first after careful thought. I packed up all my things into my little car, and drove myself to Michigan one day. I woke up one day, finally wanting to do something with my life, and started Aikido... I was told by many family members what I've done to change my life was brave. I didn't think much of it... It was just something to do. It felt necessary to survive.
My friends pointed out, that I'm happier, I'm more confident, more calm... All the things I wanted for myself since I was very young, I've finally found. I think Aikido, or any form of Martial Art, is a great way to really figure out how to improve yourself. As a student, you are put into a simulated situation, and need to work out how to get through all of it. My Sensei has said it's an”Art to get out of your own way”. I think that's absolutely true.
I know of many things that used to get in my way... Anxieties... anger... depression... Frustration They all would get in my way... and they were all created by me. Lately, the time spent dwelling on these obstacles have shrunk... Don't get me wrong, they still appear, but I now have a few tools to work past these things. Ultimately... this has made me a happier person... though sometimes it takes people from your past to point these things out.
I hope for whoever reads this: That you had a great Holiday season, and also a great New Year!