Taking Pride

This past Saturday I really indulged myself and stayed at the dojang for over three hours. I have to admit, that was probably too long, and I’ve been paying for the excess with sore muscles and a crotchety knee. But the discomfort responded to a couple of ibuprofen tablets, and I expect to be fine for tomorrow’s class.

Before I started karate training, I was really afraid of my body. I was afraid of getting hurt, and afraid of being weak. This lack of self-confidence is really contrary to my character, because whether the subject is music, cooking, writing, gardening, sewing – anything except physical exercise – my normal attitude is, “Of course I can do it!” But for years whenever I thought of playing Frisbee or sledding with my grandson, a little voice inside me would whine, “You’re too old for this.”

But from the beginning, my karate instructors were invariably patient. They presented new material in small incremental steps, praised my successes, and always encouraged me whenever I showed even the slightest improvement. I gradually got stronger and more flexible, and after a while I began to trust my body. Now I can do things I never imagined myself doing.

I am proud of myself!

My grandson Buddy is proud of me too. He tells anyone we happen to meet that he and I are taking karate together, and that he is “my senior.” My husband brags about me at work. My daughters have told their friends too, although I’m sure it was more like, “Can you believe what my mom is doing? I’m so embarrassed!”

At first, whenever I told my friends that I was taking karate, they would laugh. But now I think they respect my choice and my commitment, even though they still like to tease me.

What do you take pride in? What gives you satisfaction? Post a comment or send me an e-mail – I’d love to hear from you.