Plans and Lists

   I love to make "plans" and "lists". It is who I am. I get that trait from my mother. She taught me that life is always changing, it rarely goes as planned. Things come up, plans fall apart, memory fails, life happens. It is how you adapt and move forward that matters. Having a plan or list helps you to see the "goal", even if you never really reach it, at least you should try to get there.

   My "lists" drive my wife crazy. If I want to get a project done, I will start with an initial list/drawing/plan. This will change countless time before it actually gets done. Sorry wife, that is how "me" works. This goes back to the old adage, "jack of all trades, master of none.". Our latest project is a partial new fence in the back yard. I ,of  course, have an idea of what I want, but not being a fence builder or carpenter, need to plan and re plan countless times BEFORE I start. I know she just wants to get it done so we can start our next project ( another flower garden ) but I want to do a fence that I can sit in my yard and say " I built that!".

   This is like my Kung Fu in so many ways. I know the school's instructors have a plan/path that they follow when it comes to teaching us. I get this, there needs to be a path. I need to take what is taught and apply it to "me". Spontaneity is great for some people, I shy away from it. Being in the "where am I, what am I doing" mindset is great, I love it. But.... when a new form or technique is given to us to learn and apply, my mind NEEDS to process this, apply this, understand the hows and whys. Where do my feet go? Am I applying my energy/force correctly? Did my 6 harmonies work together or apart? Did I stay in the correct stance? Soooo many things run trough my mind that it can negate the moment. My mental "lists" start. By the time class is over, I am still processing what we did and any useful questions haven't had a chance to form in my head yet.

    This shows me where I am when it comes to my Kung Fu. It shows me that mastery does not happen over night. I have been at this for about 5 years now, and there are days when I feel like I am at day 1 again. My mind and my body are constantly wanting different things. Their harmony isn't there yet. If I have to think about a stance, then I obviously haven't practices that stance enough. If I can't tell where my power/force was, I am obliviously not feeling my " Chi ".

   I want my Kung Fu to be like my projects. I want to be able to sit back ( mentally that is ) and say "that is my Kung Fu and I am proud of it".

   I know I am not there yet, but like my list/plan, it is a work in progress. I will not sit back and say " good enough ", or " oh well, at least I tried ". Nope, not going to happen. Until I can sit back an say to myself, " I built that!", I must move forward, I must try harder, I must reach for mastery.


To the journey.......

  


Numbers as of Jul 6, 2019 - day 150/365 - 41% of year done

Mandatory requirements

No quitting   NO chance of that happening - (knock on wood, go away injury bug)
Sit ups -  25801
Push ups -  25955
Sparring -  232
1609km -  1284.27km
AOK -  685
Hand form -  201
Weapon form -  278
Relationships mended -  2
Journal 1x a week -  yes
Public appearances  - 2/3
Lion dance -  2 practices
Tiger challenge -  X  not done this year
Miss no meetings  - Only missed 1 - personal matters
Excel in curriculum - I review and practice as time permits
Help with school projects -  Starting to plan "reno week" now
Learn "Mastery"  - getting there, listen to and recite at least 1x a week
Be part of all projects and initiatives -  I am trying to be involved as much as others will let me.    

Personal requirements

I have 7

4 of 7 are well on their way to success. The other 3 may be another story. Did I dream to big? With less than 1/2 the year gone, I still have plenty of time so I guess it is all on me to push forward and GET IT DONE.