“Bills are paid. I’m working. I’m happy. My family is ok. I’m ok. Those are the little things that matter. ~Carlos Dominguez
Growing up, I was no stranger to change. I attended four different elementary schools, and was often the loner kid for high school and college.
The holidays are an interesting time for me because I have my best memories with my family growing who were facing their own crucibles. Growing up, middle class, in Chicago is not a bad experience, but it can get spicy at times. However, that’s a tale for another time.
Leave with Gratitude
This week, I bid farewell to my seventh Jiu-jitsu academy in nine-and-a-half years of training. It’s been a long road and it’s never easy saying goodbye to those you’ve learned to grow with on a routine basis.
The beauty of Jiu-jitsu is how your game easily transfers over to another gym. The culture may be different, but your technique will work on any other mat you roll on. Transference is the biggest benefit of the art.
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” ~Miyamoto Musashi
My family and I had a lot of growth at ZR Team, in Spring Lake, N.C., over the past year. I had the privilege to see both my kids earn higher belts and even though I did not achieve my ambitions in the competitor circuit, I do know I am a much better Jiu-jitsu player now than when I started at ZR Team. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to thank the coaches and my teammates before I left the academy.
Cycle of Change
“No matter how poor you think you are, if you have a family, you have everything.“ ~Anonymous
The life of a military professional is demanding. You’re always in transition and your family is along for the ride. My family is facing another separation in the coming months, and this past Thanksgiving will have to carry our togetherness opportunities through early Spring.
It’s never easy leaving my family. There are always a tsunami of emotions and concerns. However, I love that it’s hard to leave. That’s the way it should be, the toughest choice to be made. It shows how much love we have for one another. I never want to be okay saying goodbye to my wife and kids. That would be the scariest revelation I could ever imagine. I thank God for my heaven on earth. Until the next reflection, team. Happy Holiday!
One Team, One Family! ~Doc
Interesting post, thanks. Also secondary for me personally is the question “will there be a continuation? 🙂