Transformations...

It's about transformation...at every level!

When I began this Quest, I wasn't thinking in terms of, "Ooh, a tournament, cool...", and I wasn't thinking in terms of trophies, awards, recognition, etc. As a matter of fact, I braced for the most intense amount of ridicule. I prepared myself for people who would make promises and not deliver, for those who wouldn't believe in me, and for those who would say there was no way. I was prepared to lose a lot...sacrifice...whatever necessary to pursue this Quest.

I've experienced all that and more (and most of it nobody but me and my wife and sons know about), but as I was finishing up training this morning with a stint in the pool I just began to realize more than ever that I would have to be like the water. Flexible. Fluid. The most powerful force on earth when necessary, but also nurturing, healing, and calm.

It hasn't been easy so far, and it won't get any easier leading up to the U.S. Open in July, but I must remain flexible and fluid, powerful and and at peace, for I know the Quest I have embarked upon is worth it.

This is about so much more than "just a tournament". This is about transformation. The transformation of me, my outlook, my perceptions, my abilities, my skill levels, my family, my future...you get the point. But it goes beyond me, it affects everyone around me and even those I don't know about. That is why I must continue on and reach to heights that would be considered worthy of the U.S. Open...worthy of the Martial Arts...worthy of...everything that is meaningful to me and to those who are supporting me.

This transformation runs deep, and any time you engage such a process, you better be ready for fire. As the fires rage, I must constantly remind myself to be like the water, that I can get through this, I can succeed!

Big day...and a Rescue during workout

Big day today! Strong workout, and a lot of mental training too. Of course, mental training is woven in everything, but I mean some very specific type stuff. Worked a bit today on the design of the new "Quest" shirt, and it is turning out to be amazing. I can't wait to share it with you all.

I did some work in the water today...the pool finally warmed up enough to keep breathing for a long period of time, so it was good to do some slow moving, resistance type training in the pool. Also did some "be still and know" type training...meditation.

While on our bike ride today, Michael and I completed a very important humanitarian act as well... Um, well, maybe it wasn't "human"itarian as much as it was "turtle"itarian...as we rescued a young gopher turtle that was heading straight for the concrete jungle of the highway. We enlisted the help of our local Nature Preserve employee and he helped the turtle find his way back to his borough. Proud of us? You should be! After all, turtles are people too...sorta.

Anyway...studying some kata (forms) that my coach just sent me, so back to that for a bit. This week begins some laser focus on that side of things for the tournament. Very tired too, so going to hit the sack soon...