A Goal Achieved

So here they are, two of the newest Black Belts in our school. For both of them this is a long time coming and was a hard road. But they persevered and kept the faith and now they are both Black Belts. Woo hoo! Congrats Ninja Two and Ninja One! I am so incredibly proud of you both. You two are awesome!


Ninja One told me that the best part of this was actually being able to invite me to her Black Belt ceremony. When I told her I wouldn't have missed it for the world, she told me I was missing the point. Five years ago the idea of inviting me to this ceremony would have been unthinkable, laughable even. Four years ago it was dream. Three years ago it was a possibility. One year ago a probability. Two weeks ago a certainty.

She also told me that she couldn't have done it without the support of myself and my nephew (Mr. Karate). As the studio owner said, "no one achieves a goal without help. It just doesn't happen." He was right. I got help to get to my black belt and 2nd degree. I have passed it on and continue to pass it on with my teaching.

Sometimes the help does not have to be a big thing, it may even be something you might consider inconsequential. But to the person receiving it, it might be the exact thing they needed at that moment. It might have been the catalyst for a life changing event. Remember that, when you are looking at someone trying to achieve something difficult, learn something new, change something bad. Our words can be like nails, leaving permanent damage, or like the helping hand, giving a much needed boost to someone in need.