Saturday mornings begin early, and our first activity is Jiu-Jitsu with the kids. I discovered Jiu-Jitsu myself about 3 years ago and since then, I've become addicted to it—the process, the struggle, the fulfillment of being humbled by someone half your size. Through the struggle, you learn something about yourself, and for brief moments, you're completely free from the world.

I have a deep connection to the sport, the community, and the culture. As a bit of an introvert, I sometimes struggle to come out of my shell and develop profound connections with others. However, through consistency and time, it does happen.

Once Kingston was old enough, I brought him down to give it a try. I think it's a great sport for discipline, growth, confidence, as well as self-defence. I believe all children should learn some form of martial art, as the fundamentals of pretty much all of them are honour, respect, discipline, and progress—key traits in development.

I brought him down a few months ago, and the first few sessions went pretty well. But then things quickly turned around. His concentration, enthusiasm, and enjoyment were a bit lost. He also struggled with the physicality and when put into compromising positions. To be honest, due to my train of thought and my irrational belief that my kids should be champions from the start, I lost focus too. I almost blamed him in a way, without realizing that I hadn't put in the work with him myself. We decided to pull him out and take a break for a little while.

Fast forward a few months, and we're back. Heading to the gym last week, I felt a bit anxious and nervous, but I thought it was a good opportunity for him to try it again. He's a bit older, a bit more mature, and it was time to reintroduce this activity to him.

Today, he was back on the mat for the second week in a row, and I couldn't have been prouder of him—his focus, his listening, his attention. He absorbed the drills and used them when rolling at the end. When we finished, our family sat down and discussed how well he did. We were proud of him, and the smile and happiness on his face were radiant. I drew energy from his emotion, and while the pride of his achievement was wonderful, the feeling of witnessing his happiness radiate gave me a true sense of joy, bliss, and happiness.

Happiness can be a shared emotion, and I think it's important to always wish the best for others, recognize their successes, and sincerely share in their happiness. Being happy for others is ultimately being happy for everyone, including yourself.

Thanks,

Dean