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Words are a source of power.
The right words can empower us and set us up for success. The wrong words can strip us of our agency, or put us on a path that only leads to failure. They shape the world we live in — the very way we see and interact with reality
I think about words a lot. The words I choose to use, as well as the words I choose not to (sometimes these e-mails take a few minutes, other times they can take for-ev-er because I can’t write things out correctly). As a coach, athlete, and martial artist, I truly believe that the words you utilize are just as important as your workouts, your diet, and your methods of recovery.
This month, I want to introduce a fun and powerful exercise in language. As an athlete myself, I found that certain words and phrases followed me through different parts of my journey. These words were a source of comfort, perspective, and also power.
Now, as a coach, it’s largely been the same. But since my focus has been outward (rather than inward, on my own goals) I hadn’t really sat down to meditate on how the dynamic has shifted, and how it can be a source of power and direction for everyone else, too.
Lately, the word that’s been a dependable companion to me has been gratitude. After the challenges of the covid era, and the massive rebuilding that took place over the last two years (which was primarily done by you, the students, by the way), I find I am centered by this idea.
Years ago, as a competitive athlete, I found a lot of strength in the idea of gratitude. I was grateful for the opportunities to compete, grateful to compete for fun (rather than to put food on the table, or in situations where my life was at stake), and mostly just grateful for my health.
Seen from that perspective, fighting wasn’t really that scary or hard. It was fun, and it was a privilege. I almost had an obligation to go out there and be the best version of myself because there were so many people who would never be afforded that opportunity.
So, I want to invite you all along on this exercise as we make 2023 the Year of Gratitude. I hope you, too, can find some strength, perspective, or power in this meditation and that it propels you forward when the road gets a little bumpy.
Appreciate you all! I’ll see you on the mats. |
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