“To fall seven
times, to rise eight times, life starts from now”.
I remember the exact day, time and place that I decided
to live. However bazaar that may sound, it’s true. I can
look back, and visualize the entire situation when I made a
conscious decision to live, and not to die.
We are faced with all types of decisions every day.
And, unlike water whose strength lies in the fact that it
follows the path of least resistance, the result can be
disastrous when people choose to do the same.
Sometimes doing what is right, or what is best, is not
necessarily what is easy. When standing at that fork in the
road, debating in which direction to proceed, it is the
individual who has self-confidence and lives by a solid code
of ethics who will choose the correct path to follow,
regardless of how dark the way may appear, or how unsure the
footing is.
Adversity and struggle help us to grow as human beings.
In this world there is plenty enough of it to go around, and
only a fool would look for it. Yet, only a fool would let
adversity stop them from doing what should be done.
We create our own reality. Simply put, what you think
and believe, is. For a child that is afraid of the dark, the
unknown terrors that lurk in the unlit room truly exist.
Their fears are brought into measurable physical reactions
because of those terrors real or not. If this is the case,
then why not believe that life is good, enjoyable, fun, and
that we as individuals have a higher purpose to the world
that we occupy, and those that live here with us?
The strength of our outlook lies in our character and
discipline. Our character is established by the values that
we live by, our code. Our discipline, and our values are
established through the teachings and the expectations of
those who mentor us throughout our life.
You’ll notice I included the word, “expectations”. You
can have values and moral teachings thrown at you
constantly, but it will not do any good unless someone
places high expectations upon you to achieve these
principles.
As television, video games, and music videos have
assumed a major role in the rearing of the young, and
institutions of learning are becoming more and more involved
in emotions rather than substance, where better to be
mentored than in a legitimate martial arts school?
Qualities of character such as Courteousness,
Truthfulness, Consistency, Helpfulness, Reliability,
Responsibility, Compassion, and Understanding are concepts
taught every day in the dojo. The Sensei realizes the
importance of these qualities in developing a well-adjusted
individual who can continue on through life, relating to
others without the self-centered and selfish attitude that
always leads to problems.
Inner Strengths such as Humility, Bravery, Purpose,
Tenacity, Dedication, Loyalty, Honor, and Wisdom are
necessary for anyone who expects to be able to stand on
their own throughout life, overcome their failures, and
achieve their goals.
A Martial Arts school addresses, and teaches, the
requirements of life. They are truths that have remained
unchanged throughout the ages. These simple realities weed
out the unworthy, uninformed, unprepared, and the
undisciplined. They are the difference between living life,
and living a fulfilled life.
In the final analysis every decision you make might not
be about if you live, but every decision you make will
definitely contribute to how you live. Are you worthy enough
to have a happy life?