Taekwondo changed my life

I just have to say that the subject says it all but not entirely true. At least it's not the only thing that has changed my life but I can say it's the best decision I've ever made and I love myself even more because of it.

It was during summer break when Wade would have the boys and he wanted to find something to do with them. We weren't sure what was out there so I was searching around. I had picked up our area's Recreational magazine when I saw a full page spread. America's Best Karate. That was it. I showed Wade the article and he dismissed it at first. I went to the website, I was interested even if he wasn't sure about the boys. The moment I saw that they didn't teach Karate but Taekwondo my mind was made up. I was doing this regardless. Thankfully after taking to Wade in more detail about what they represented and what was on their site I think I sold him on the idea too.

We started attending that year, I want to say it was the end of summer 2010. Has it really been 2 years? We were hooked after the boys left to go back home, after their summer time with Dad. We had signed up for their "Black Belt Club" which meant we were in it no matter what. We went every day, every day they were open including Saturdays. I loved it, I still love it! When I first started I knew I wanted to finish this, to become a black belt felt like it was something I could achieve. Finally, something I could do for me and it was something I could see happening, something I could finish. This means so much, more than anyone will ever know.

The physical benefits showed pretty early and kept showing. It has transformed me inside and out. I can't believe the changes.. I still cry with joy whenever I examine myself in front of the mirror. Something I never used to do, not in a good way anyway. My uniform is too large for me now, another great feeling to know that you can fit a size smaller, in a gi that's truly an accomplishment as they are meant to be large on you anyway.

I still feel guilty not going 6 days a week anymore, my work schedule does not permit and I admit that illness and vacation time during the holidays has also stopped my good habit. My new goal is to continue going 5 days a week (M-F) as I work Saturday mornings. Still so very bummed about that fact as Saturday is the physical conditioning class, where you push yourself to the limit and beyond (at least I did) and felt totally awesome afterward for accomplishing the class. All cardio for 45 minutes, ug.. so want that back. Must find a way.

BTW. I've lost I don't know how much, (haven't weighted myself in ages). But lets just say I've lost over 70lbs. Starting weight: 218. Weight since last weigh in: 150s (low). 148 being 70lbs. I am still on my journey but I must say I feel awesome! FEEL awesome. Looking great, but feeling great to me is so much more important. I have some ways to go. I'm not there yet. And by there I mean as healthy or as strong as I want to be. :D I want a six-pack! I want to be lean. I want to be more healthy than I am.

Taekwondo is a big part of who I am now. I wouldn't change that for the world.