I get to be inspired by our amazing karate kids and this week was no different. As a way to share my gratitude for their presence in the dojo and in my life, I was searching for ways to make their experiences more memorable with a ‘touch of magic’.
What is that ‘touch of magic’ all about? The magic is buried deep within all of our karate kids (and you too) and I see it as my role to guide our students to:
1. Become aware of the magic from within
2. Encourage students to explore and use this magic. The more they can learn about this magic, the more they may be better equipped to apply it in all areas of their lives
The touch of magic throughout this week has been all about ‘personal responsibility’. For students wanting to earn a new belt, they themselves need to step up and decide what they want, and then follow through with the appropriate actions.
Once we had the foundation of our ‘personal responsibility’ theme planted in the minds of our karate kids, the kids spiced it up with their focus, enthusiasm and their own special flavour throughout the physical aspects of training. When these karate kids decided to step it up, there was nothing that they weren’t going to do.
Observing our karate kids taking control of their training journey for that one lesson, it got me thinking how would they go if they applied this for another lesson and then another.
What if they stepped up and applied it for a week and another week? What about months and years?
Can you imagine the possibilities of these young karate kids if they were to become more aware of their ‘personal responsibility’ in all areas of their life and become a person who chooses to take 100% responsibility for their lives?
One of the most remarkable benefits of our karate kids developing their personal responsibility is the impact it has on their level of confidence. With everything that our karate kids step up and do for themselves (with correct guidance), it is the karate kids themselves that are rewarded with great satisfaction upon completion which leads to the expansion and development of their confidence. This will tend to lead them to filling their lives with even greater challenges and adventures. Adventures they may have never thought possible.
A Message for Parents/Caregivers & Leaders
For me as a parent, friend and instructor, I believe within myself this is one of the most powerful gifts that you can give to others in both the dojo and in life.
Always be present to guide others, but leave each person’s journey up to them to live and allow them to make decisions for themselves.
And if they fall as we all sometimes do, be there only to encourage (when you’ve been asked for help) and do all that you can to inspire them to get up one more time and keep moving forward with their best effort.
Through the eyes of your children, students and friends, you may not always be viewed as truly caring for them in the earlier times. They may even become frustrated or angered with you.
it’s never easy watching others make mistakes repeatedly and see themselves be buried deep in the rubble of life’s challenges. It’s not all that great receiving words/thoughts of harm and blame for not being a better instructor, friend or parent. Choose to stay true to yourself and…
Choose to remain:
Peaceful within yourself and do all that you need to keep yourself growing and expanding yourself with each day
Focused on the greatness of the people in your life
Committed to helping these people be the best they can be for themselves and their families
A Quote for Today: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, I’m Possible.” ~ Audrey Hepburn
Inspiring and encouraging as always Sensei Sandra, you are absolutely correct, it’s not easy to watch and wait for the right time and approach when providing guidance; and that’s what sets it apart from spoon feeding.
Thank you for your words Maureen. We really need to get you to share some of your thoughts on this topic as well. There is much that we can all learn from you. As life gives you a moment of time to collect your thoughts, it would be wonderful to share your ideas with everyone. As always, thank you for being ‘YOU’. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives.