Today, I am thankful for the fact that I passed my Karate-do grading test, graduating from novice white to yellow belt. Yes!
As an overweight mom in her early forties, I found every reason under the blue sky to discourage myself from taking Karate classes – I used my age, my weight, time and every excusable excuse – but the desire in me was stronger than my excuses.
I felt that I would be out of place and yes I’m still out of place – the only mama in the crowd of young children and men.
I told myself that my painful knees wouldn’t take it and would probably break.
Somedays, I felt too lazy to go for the night class and each day I had a class, I literally had to ask for the grace to survive it and I bought knee braces.
I knew within me that sticking to it was not going to be easy, but it would be far more empowering as against standing by the sidelines and watching others.
My children encouraged me and became my private coach at home even as I bungled all my moves 🙂
Yes, I burst into tears when I did my test and passed my katas to the cheer of everyone around – I can get emotional.
No, I didn’t tear my dojo pants as I feared I would and made sure I wore nice unmentionables just in case 😉
My heart felt full last night when I received my grading certificate.
I don’t care that I might be the elephant in the house entertaining others with my trundling moves, but you know what, I said I would do it, I had to ask for grace each day to do it and I did it 🙂
I’m sharing this post to encourage those who have things they want to do, but for some excuses are not able to.
Each day grace and gratitude take me higher; get your thankful suit on.
There are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Congratulations Jackie! I think no matter what our stage, age, or situation, we all have easy access to excuses to not go forward with some idea, plan, or desire. Your showing up and sticking with these self defense classes is just so cool, and such an important skill set of self defense and confidence building. You are such an inspiring young woman, Jackie…Thank you. 🐞
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Dear JoHanna, your words are so true and uplifting. I deeply appreciate them. Thank you 🙂
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Congratulations 😉
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Thank you Iain 🙂
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Congratulations!! I Applaud your Success!! Hip! Hip! Hooray!
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Thank you my dear Deborah. It feels good to persevere 🙂
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Congratulations !! This is a wonderful achievement, you must be very proud
Brooke
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I do feel proud. Didn’t know I could do it. Thank you Brooke 🙂
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Yay! Congrats Jacqueline!
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Thanks my dear Pamela 🙂
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You’re welcome Jacqueline.
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Congratulations I! Glad u did not tear your pants!
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I think I had that fear far more than anything else. Thanks Dianne 🙂
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You are welcome!
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Hello Jackie,
I smiled while reading this but I did not miss the underlying message. You persevered, regardless of all the excuses that you gave yourself. Well done!
Lol @ “nice unmentionables”
I am so happy that you are happy. Now, I am inspired to face my fears and just do it!
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Sis, we are our own worst enemies and can come up with uncountable reasons why something won’t work. I’m glad I broke the excuses. Thank you so much 🙂
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That’s Awesome! Congratulations!!
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Yes it is. Thank you Alexis 🙂
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Way to go, Jacqueline! Congratulations! 🙂
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Thank you Barbara 🙂
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Congrats! You inspire me
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Thank you Jahnavi 🙂
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Congratulations! There is nothing like taking on a challenge and accomplishing a goal. I began Yoga earlier this year and it was amazing for my mind and body. New Experiences in life keeps life fresh and exhilarating. 🙂
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They truly keep life fresh and exhilarating. Thank you so much. I’ve always liked Yoga and hopefully will find time in the near future to work it into my routine.
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Just for you, Jacqueline, I’m doing a happy dance around the room. You inspired me again; watch for the link! Roo bows from the hips to Jacqueline, hands open flat above her knees, face down with respect. ❤
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Roo your words are heartwarming and I would have loved to see you dance. I am happy to be a source of inspiration to you and I learn a lot from your gentle words.
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So proud of you for overcoming your fear! And congrats!
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Thank you. It does feel good to stand and conquer fear 🙂
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Well done. That was quite a challenge.
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Thank you Brigid. It’s been an interesting challenge 🙂
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Congratulations – that’s an excellent achievement!
🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Think how long you can ride the waves of this achievement. And in sharing with others, how they may be able to gain some momentum in what they want to accomplish by jumping in your wake!
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Yes you are right Jen. It does feel good and I hope to inspire others through positive little things 🙂
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So amazing! And you call me inspiring? I got nothing on you, dear friend;) You have reminded us that we can do anything we set our minds to:) Congratulations!! Very exciting!!
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Aww! Your words make me feel good. Thank you my dear Nena 🙂
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Yes you can! Congratulations Jacqueline.
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Thanks my dear for the encouragement.
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Bravo, Jacqueline ! I’m impressed !
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Thank you Nanou.
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Congratulations on setting a goal and fighting through when that little internal voice tried to discourage you. Well done!!!
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Thank you. It feels good to stick through it and ignore the voice.
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Congrats Jackie. You made me laugh when you said you don’t mind being the only elephant in the house…..lol
Well done my friend.
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Ha,ha! It’s not easy being an Elephant ;-). Determination can take us far. Thanks my dear
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Congratulations, Jacqueline! I’m very proud of you!
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Thank you dear Beverly 🙂
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Congratulations!!!!! Well done for doing what is important for you. You are fearless and adventurous.
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Thank you so much dear Helene. I appreciate your words 🙂
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So super proud of you. Argue for your limitations and they will be yours. Defy those limitations and you will be ever free.
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I totally love this quote of yours. Thank you kind Sir 🙂
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Congratulations Jacqueline! You can do anything, we are never given a dream without the means to fulfill it.
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Quite true. When we are called, we are equipped. Thank you 🙂
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Good for you! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Hot dog!
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Thank you Beth 🙂
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Congratulations!
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Thank you dear Tikeetha 🙂
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Way to go girl! I admire your bravery. Yes, there is one thing I would love to do – skydiving. On second thought, l will probably wait until my 70th birthday. In the meantime, I will just start by learning a new language!
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Hey sis, great to see your comment here. Thank you, my dear. Nne, we’ve got to rock on well into old age o 🙂
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WOW! Congrats ma’am! I am so proud hehehe.
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I honestly surprised myself 🙂 Thank you David.
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Its a pleasure ma’am
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Congratulations!! Specially for you: I send you here this song and video made in Mirapuri, music by Mirakali combined with Katas, its title is ‘Sora Ni Mitu – Seeing The Sky – http://wp.me/p4T7p5-wU8 🙂
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Thank you Mira. I’ll listen to it 🙂
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WOOHOOOO! Wax on ,wax off – Loved reading this. I am smiling from ear to ear. A great achievement!
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Thanks my dear Daisy. I’m really glad that I started and stuck to it.
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It takes a lot of discipline.
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Way to go girl!!! So proud of you. Now i am jealous…perhaps i should also join a karate class *wink*
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You better join us o. Thank you sis 🙂
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Wow, that is just awesome dear ❤ ❤ so proud of you 🙂 And your family must be bursting with pride too 🙂 Happy for you dear 🙂
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Thank you for your visit, Jacqueline. 🙂
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I love it: thankful suit! good stuff!
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Thank you for visiting 🙂
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