Merriam-Webster dictionary defines perseverance as
“the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though
it is difficult; continued effort to do or achieve something
despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or
an instance of preserving.” In class we
have learned a short, condensed version of this. Set a goal, and stick to it.
Perseverance is what has gotten
me to this point in my life, my first Dan Black test. My daughter and I started Tae Kwon Do in the
fall of 2005. We would not be at this
point, without perseverance.
The road to this point has been far from smooth. My daughter, Laisee, and I have stopped and
started many times on our road to this test.
Once you leave and then go back, you are able to stand in line where you
left off. However, sometimes your memory
fails you and you need a major refresher.
That’s when you remember you don’t want to stop going to class. I know for both of us, our perseverance has
paid off. It is a great feeling of
accomplishment.
Our instructor, Master McDowell, has told us, if tae
kwon do was easy, everyone would do it. I completely agree with that statement. Unlike the younger kids in our class, I have
a difficult time learning new forms. I
think age might have something to do with that!
Along with perseverance, tae kwon do has also taught me
balance. Balance is used in so many
different ways. Balance your diet,
balance your schedule, balance your checkbook and balance in your life. The
definition of palwge and the symbol of ying yang are opposite. With opposites,
they work together to bring balance. The
universe is full of balance the general population is unaware of or don’t even
realize we have it and need it to stay in balance. In tae kwon do, balance brings it all
together. If you are not focused, you
lose your balance. I’m not just talking
about standing on one leg holding a side kick, but also in forms, one steps,
staying focused in class, and teaching the belts below you. Master McDowell has balance exercises we do
in class. These are just started to be
incorporated in our class. They are very
good exercises. Some are difficult to
do. With both perseverance and balance,
we will conquer them, just like anything else.
I have learned in tae kwon do, if your mind and body are in balance, the
rest just falls into place.
I am so thankful
for all of our black belts and Master McDowell.
Without them with their words of encouragement and their
patience, I would not be at this test today.
I have learned so much for all of them.
They are all great and set good examples for all the belts below them. My perseverance has paid off.
