I Ho, I ho, it's off again I go.

While teaching the kids classes over a month ago, I happen to glance at the whiteboard. There was a notice about the new upcoming year of I Ho Chuan. I didn't even stop to think about it. I simply said to myself, "now is the time".   I have no commitments in my life, and I need something to give me focus, and purpose.  I've made some changes in my life recently; spiritually, and physically, and have turned down a different path, and started on a whole new and exciting journey. With the I Ho chuan as a huge focus for the next 12 months, big things are about to happen. I feel it.

I'm very excited for the I Ho chuan right now, and feel very pumped up to begin.  I have a new hand form that I am working on, and a weapon form that I've wanted to do for some time now. I know it's important to keep up this excitement, enthusiasm and commitment.  I have thought a lot about how I will do that.

First off, I think it's important to keep a regular schedule. I have already started getting up every day before work at 4:30 and doing my yoga and meditation.  I will continue to be up at this hour to work on my requirements.

I will also make sure to focus on the process, and not the outcome. I listened to a podcast while driving to BC over Christmas, and it talked about a man who became a boxer. He won every one of his first 7 fights. Then when he lost his 8th fight, he quit boxing. He was only focused on the outcome of his fights, and wasn't appreciative of the process that he went through to win the fights.
I'm not going to have hopes or expectations for the outcome of my I ho chuan requirements. I am however, going to keep my focus on the process of working on my daily requirements. By doing that, and enjoying the journey without concerns for the destination, I am hoping to stay focussed and engaged with my requirements. I am also wanting to learn to fully live in the moment, and appreciate each moment as they come along, without forcing those moments to come.

Another thing very important for me on this journey, is support. Support from the members of the team will be a big asset along the way. Sharing our successes, struggles, and anxieties will be one of the main keys for each of us to keep moving, hopefully in a forward direction.  I am blessed to also have someone very close to me honor me with their personal support.  They are as excited about me doing the I Ho chuan as I am. They have promised to be by my side for this journey from start to finish. This person will be there to hear about my good days, and the not so good days. Those not so good days are the ones that I will need the support the most, and I know that my friend will be there full of encouragement.  For that knowledge, I am truly blessed and appreciative.

In 2 more days 2017 will be over, and a new year begins. I am filled with a very positive and excited attitude for 2018. The journey will be one to be remembered. No matter the outcome.