30 Days of Beauty-Day 22: Accomplishments

This weekend we made a quick trip to Milwaukee.  Normally I wouldn't go for just a weekend, but my brother, Rob, received his black belt today.  This is such a wonderful accomplishment, and I wanted to be here to help him celebrate.

Rob has been working toward this day for 3 years.  Unfortunately, while nearing his last year of training, he injured his knee and had to have surgery.  He has fought hard to get back in shape and to succeed in meeting his goal.  I'm sure there were times when he wasn't sure that he would make it, but he did!  He had a wonderful teacher, trainer, coach, and friend in Mr. Quirk at Karate America.  He was truly instrumental in encouraging Rob to keep training to reach his goal.

Rob and Mr Quirk

Before actually receiving his black belt in today's ceremony, Rob had a 2 hour test to determine if he passed his black belt qualifications.  He says that it is one of the hardest things that he has ever done, but he feels like he has really earned it.  Mr. Quirk put him through his paces especially in the final sparring that was a requirement.

While it is a major accomplishment for anyone to achieve their first degree black belt, I find a particular beauty in Rob's accomplishment since he had to come back from a major injury.  I am very proud of him, and I am so happy that I am here to witness this celebration of his accomplishment.

Have you found your joy today?

Musings

I haven't written in quite a long time.  I think that there are many reasons for this.  For one thing, I have been working on getting healthier by losing weight, and now I am attempting to exercise more.  The weight loss is going well because I recently had vertical sleeve surgery.  It has taken all of my time and effort to make sure I am eating correctly and recovering from the surgery.  I now have more energy, my knees don't hurt when I go up and down the stairs, and I am a bit more active.  However, I need to start walking every day.  In fact, I really need to get the boxes off of the treadmill!

I've also been distracted by the political circus.  I hope that all of you are going to vote.  It's purely your choice which candidate you choose or how you might vote on local races and issues.  However, I do believe that voting is an important right that we need to exercise as citizens of this wonderful country we live in.

No matter which way you lean-right or left, conservative or liberal, republican or democrat: are you as tired as I am of all of the ads and commentary about the elections?  It seems like election season goes on forever! It is everywhere!

I also have noticed that many people have lost their sense of humor.  Luckily, I can still laugh when comics and talk-show hosts make fun of my favorite candidate or when friends forward Facebook entries making fun of my choice.  While I may not agree with the message, I still have an appreciation for the cleverness and humor that went into the message.  Why do we lose our sense of humor during this time?

I know that these are very important issues.  However, what happens to us that we can't step outside of our beliefs to understand the opposition's point of view?  I respect a person's right to believe differently than I do.  I forward Facebook entries that promote my viewpoint, but I don't expect that this will change what someone believes.  I do think that it is important that I stand up for what I believe, but I am retaining my sense of humor.

Needless to say, I can't wait for the election season to be over!  In the meantime, I will watch the debates, listen to the facts, and laugh at the jokes about all of the candidates.  At least, I can find some joy in our ability to make our voices heard through our votes.  Perhaps the laughter will help me get through this seemingly endless time before November 6th.  See you at the polls!

Have you found your joy today?