Let the good times roll

This post is something I have been putting off writing for a while now, but I guess it’s better late than never! My life has changed drastically since last August. I started Brazilian Jujitsu (something I knew NOTHING about) in hopes to learn some self defense moves so I could brag a little bit to my husband and kids. What I didn’t know is that it would change my life forever.

The physical growth aspect…

Last Summer (July 2018)
Last Summer (June 2018)

Let me just start with the more… for lack of a better word – “shallow” aspect of how this combat sport has changed my life. I’ve always been a thin person – purely by genetics. I’ve always eaten what I wanted and really never worked out a day in my life, nor did any sort of sport growing up. I understand that some might envy the skinny gene thing, but the truth is, it’s caused me to be lazy ass. The two swimsuit photos above are from last summer. Truth is, I felt great about myself! I am not one of those women who feel like they have to have the “perfect figure” and I am not weight obsessed….at alllll. Looking back at the photos I am still fine with the way I looked last year. But starting jujitsu and sticking with it each week….stepping it up from one to two days a week? Game changer. As of two weeks ago I am now going three days a week and it’s becoming more of a lifestyle to be honest. I feel healthier, stronger, more toned all around. Because you literally use EVERY MUSCLE in your dang body with this sport. It’s complicated and challenging and exhausting and non conventional. And I love that. The best way I can describe jujitsu is that it’s like a game of chess….and I dig the crap out of some chess.

Let go of all the thoughts that don’t make you strong.

So yes, I am physically stronger now which is freaking AWESOME. Because I now am confident enough to walk to my car at night knowing that I’ve got some real techniques up my sleeve and I will do everything in my power to survive. And that’s a pretty cool feeling right there.

But the mental health aspect is even more amazing.

Just to be clear, this is not a sponsored post. Nobody is paying me to write this and it’s all coming straight from my heart. My brother did Taekwondo growing up so I was slightly familiar with martial arts, but had no idea what jujitsu even was. All I knew was that grown men would sort of wrestle around while making strange noises… and that there was a lot of V aggressive cuddling going on. I was not only wrong about how intense this sport actually was physically, but it has also brought me more peace than I can even put into words. It’s hard to explain and toootally one of those things that you just have to try out for yourself to fully understand….but it’s helped me cope with some incredibly difficult things over the last year. Lots of anxiety, depression… and at times self doubt.  When I’m in class I am able to really clear my mind and all the bullshit from that day just seems to disappear.  What’s ever better?  This sport truly does ignite a confidence inside of you that will forever change your life.  We’re all just there to lift one another up and push each other to be better versions of ourselves.  Truly the kind of camaraderie that is few and far between these days.  It’s made me realize what’s important (and not so important) in life. Materialism, money, not to mention all that petty ego stuff that we all struggle with.  Martial arts has shown me that less truly is more.

Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.

So yeah, this unconventional sport came into my life out of nowhere and I couldn’t be more grateful for the team that has become like a second family to me. Everyone has been so freaking warm and welcoming since day one, and for that I am eternally grateful. Remember, nothing great comes from comfort zones. You never know what might come from something new and “uncomfortable.” A friend of mine always says – “you can let your struggle become your prison or your power.” No doubt which road this momma is going to choose.

As always, thank you for your continued love and support, my friends! Truly means the world.  Let’s let the good times roll.

 

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