I just did my first karate test. Not much – fairly low key. We went through four exercises while the black belts in our club judged us. Afterwards they told us where our form could use more work and good job! I think that means it was a pass….?

Anyway, a few weeks ago someone finally mentioned that during practice, when I punch or kick, I should say it outloud. Yell that is. I wasn’t before. I wanted to but the “EY!” couldn’t come out. But they told me that to pass the test, I had to. So I started. And man, it makes so much difference. I feel way more energy and enthusiasm than I did before.

Why was it so hard for me?

Getting past barriers of self consciousness and shyness I always look back and wonder “now…why did I feel like that and how did I get there?”