The BIG DAY approaches

         It feels a bit surreal that the year of the snake is almost over and that grading day is just around the corner.  It is a mix of joy, excitement/nervousness, and some stress.  Along with a sense of accomplishment, there is also a sense that nothing will really change for me.  I love Kung Fu regardless of the colour of belt I'm wearing.  I enjoy coming to class and practicing and learning something new.  Doesn't matter if we're doing Da Mu Hsing for half the class, I walk away having learned something new, despite it being the first form I learned.  I enjoy interacting with my instructors and classmates, and I still plan on doing that regardless of what happens.  

        Having said that, I recognize what an accomplishment it is to get to this level.  The hard work and dedication it takes.  Kung Fu becomes a way of life and not just something that you do.  Although it may start off that way for some people, those that stick with it it becomes a part of who they are.  When I started it was something I always wanted to do, and about year 3 in, I really bought into it, and now I can't imagine my life without it.  It has projected my life on a different path through the internal reflection and awareness it has provided.  Both my physical and mental health have improved immensely from it.  My favourite thing about is, is the community of people.  It is just such an amazing group of people to surround oneself with.  I don't think I would've gone this far without everyone.