Balance in Life

I have been trying to think of the best way to compose this blog since last Friday and I still have no plan. I figured just start writing and go from there. The issue is what I want to say is very personal and something I feel very strongly about. Most of you probably know that I don’t talk about my personal life or feelings very much (or at all) and this sometimes can become a problem. Sometimes it’s better to express what you are feeling as a way to deal with it. Anyway, I will tell you the story of what inspired this blog. Last Friday I missed Black Belt class to go to a concert with my wife. That may not sound like a bad thing and it wasn’t because it was a lot of fun. The problem came from the guilt I felt about not going to class. As many of you are aware, I try to be at the Kwoon as often as possible whether that is to teach, help another instructor or because I can make it to an extra class here and there. You may ask why the guilt as it was my class that I was missing but that class is where I feel helps me prepare to better instruct other students. It felt a little selfish about doing this as the students that I instruct should get quality instruction and it is my responsibility to ensure that I am able to give that to them. I don’t know if anyone understands what I’m saying but that’s how I felt. There is a good side to this story and that is that I had a wonderful night out with my wife. Sifu Brinker always says you should not sacrifice family for Kung Fu. While I was preparing for my Black Belt grading, my family is what enabled me to do it. The support that I received was critical to my success. What I am trying to say is life comes down to choices and sometimes there will be conflicts. What you need to do is decide what is right for you and the people around you. Some things will have to be sacrificed in order for others to happen but ensure that you take care of your family and your Kung Fu family. Hopefully some of you understand what I was trying to say here.