Yesterday I had a Jiu Jitsu competition and the whole day created a simple, yet profound experience for me in overcoming counter productive emotions and simply following through with my plan, regardless of the hurdles.

Leading up to the weekend I was extremely nervous and somewhat lost in my state of being, it had been a long time since I competed, especially withing a competition I felt somewhat overcome by. I started the morning off well, stretched, meditated, coffee in hand, prepared, with an early exit to my destination, yet everything changed within a short period of time. I arrived at the wrong location, was late to an alternative location, which was actually another incorrect spot, then took another hour from the right location.

I collected myself evaluated where I was at, but was left in a state of question, whether I should move forward late, or simply forget about it and go home. After a short while, although reluctant, I decided to head to the competition late, which turned out, not to be an issue at all. I arrived an hourly late, embarrassed, but my group was still yet to begin, and although shameful, was an easily understandable mistake, and one that was quickly over looked.

For me, this type of scenario is one I would usually completely overthink and in most cases turn away from, simply from embarrassment and a deep rooted overthinking type mentality. Yet as I’ve learned this occasion was an opportunity to deal with these challenges within my own mind. I had extensive anxiety built up and I needed to balance and control my emotional output, overcome my embarrassment and move forward. I competed and won, which was a fantastic outcome, and although picking up and injury, the roller coaster of emotions was a fantastic journey for me and one I found a great deal of mental and emotional growth.

In a world where we are constantly challenged by various factors pushing us in alternative directions, there is a constant battle between feeling enough, doing the right thing, and being ourselves. We are met with an assortment of mental and emotional challenges within our own minds. When something goes wrong and we are faced with one of these moments, they are opportunities to become more and be better than we were yesterday. Being better than we were yesterday is and defeating those moments of question are vital components in the search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean