This morning, while my kids were eating breakfast, I stood up and proceeded to do Star Blocks, Karate moves for my son to show him that it is okay to practice outside of the Karate studio. He looked at me with amazement and a slight smile and said, "wow, Mama, you have big muscles." I blushed and grinned and thanked him profusely.
While I haven't been doing my arm challenges as I'd hoped, I love the fact that he (a six-year-old) can see the progress, however slight. I was so thrilled. Ecstatic! Now that I am 3--*ahem* . . . *gulp* . . . 6, you have to take those compliments whenever you can get them. And when they come from a child who has no motive other than to say what he feels and observes, then that is all the more phenomenal.
I've also been thinking about taking Karate. I've always had a fascination with it. My father, who didn't raise me, invested his time and lots of money into studying martial arts. He was a black belt by the time my Mother kicked him out for not taking care of us. Those written words ooze with bitterness. Why? Because all the things he didn't provide for me, I am now doing for my children: bike riding, soccer, karate, etc. I missed out. I feel like I could have been a very athletic and fit child . . . then adult, if he had been around. I harbor a ton of animosity. So I am starting to feel like I want to do those things now before it is too late.
I want to learn to ride a bike. I want to join a soccer team (for Moms, even). I want to take Karate and have that discipline. I presently live vicariously through the kids, but I am hoping that slowly, but surely, I can do them too.
What is something that you've always wanted to do, may never have been given the chance or quit early, but may plan to do? (sporty or non-sporty; let me read it). Have you taken on a new challenge that you never thought you would do?
Girl, go after your dreams. It's never too late. I know exactly how you feel. I love how on my resting days, my muscles pop, well not lately, because all days have been resting, lol. But, you know what I mean. I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle. My plan is to take an intense weekend class over the summer, and get my license.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about that too, but I must first tackle balancing on a non motorized bike. Congrats to you!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to take ballet when I will little growing up in Jamaica. I haven't given up on that yet.
ReplyDeleteI wish triathlons had been around when I was young. I'm not an athlete but I have stamina and I would have loved to participate in the non-elite races.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even now I can one day participate in a short version. It's a 'secret' goal.
Compliments from children are great... so honest. :-)
ReplyDeleteI want to be a runner, ride a sport motorcycle, rock climber, wake boarder, and take another martial art. Those are the things that I would attempt anyway. I always really admire gymnastics but I have the idea that that is more of a children-teenager thing? :-/
I never thought I could make it in martial arts, but a year ago I got my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Anything is possible. :-)
I have always wanted to be a runner. Just this week I started the C25K and I have already run 2 days. I am going to be doing a 5K in August.
ReplyDeleteBut I too have always wanted to try my hand at Karate. We just got my step-son into lessons and I think eventually my husband and I are going to have to join in.
It is fun to be a kid again!
@blubeari: You have a cool list and you're a black belt. That is inspiring!
ReplyDelete@ Lisa: congrats on c25k. I loved running my first 5K. You will do well. Keep me posted.
I want to be in another on-stage production.
ReplyDeleteI want to play an organized sport (maybe soccer).
I want to be in a race. I want to run - jog!!!
Thanks for the post and I love how good you are doing and what a fab comment 'out of the mouth of babes' as they say! You said something that has my mind spinning. I would quess that your anger at your father is what has made you put on weight. Maybe you had no where else to hid this anger, so you stuffed it....I am sure you figured this out before but it just jumped out at me. Congrats on having such great kids! It is obvious you are doing an incredible job!
ReplyDeleteYes! That is definitely what my weight is about. I have a lot of resentment about his not being interested in parenting me. I have been aware for a long time. I've learned to express myself verbally, but the behavior of eating and then being sedentary is something that I am working on. I tried to change my sedentary habits to an active one, and now hope to also work on my eating.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your compliment on the kids and my parenting. It is a wonderful thing to read.