Sitting on Kix

So, this morning, I had another great training session at DG Boxing. For the most part, every time I go in, I get the opportunity to jump in the ring and spar one of several fighters. DG is very specific with who he puts in the ring - not meaning me, but the fighters he puts in the ring to spar with the novices, like myself. He is awesome about ensuring the best training experience for all involved, and I benefit tremendously from each fighter that I spar with.

Today was Johnny - and he is a great teacher. He's in my age range, an ex fighter, and has incredible patience. He runs combos on me long enough so I can anticipate, and start calculating my responses. I have found that in the last few months, I have started thinking more in the ring, which is a huge feat for me. I am not just reacting, but I am watching and learning my opponent's patterns, strengths and weaknesses. Johnny is especially good at giving me the space to do this. So after his double jab, cross punch combo that I successfully parried and blocked, I threw a cross when his guard was down - and landed it!

He was so excited and congratulated me instantly (on what he was hoping I would finally do!) It was very gratifying and I continued the next round with my new found confidence.

I left DG Boxing feeling strong, solid, I can hold my own, bring it on. I threw my bag in the back and jumped in my car; and promptly sat on a Kix. Yes, a Kik cereal bit, that had made its way to the front seat, my seat, of the car. This wasn't abnormal, or even alarming. I've sat on Kix, Goldfish, Cheerios, and probably things I've not noticed before. But today was different. That little bittly Kix took me back to fact that I am a mother of 3 year old.

For a moment, my power left. I am just a stay at home mom.

As quick as it left, it returned.

Hell yes, I am a stay at home mom.

Hell yes, I am a female boxer.

Hell yes, I am a nurturing wife.

Hell yes, I am a mother to a 24 year old rad son.

Hell yes, I am a personal trainer, with experience I want to share.

Hell yes, I am a sister, a daughter, a mother, a daughter in law, a sister in law, a friend, an instructor, a personal trainer..... etc.

I am ALL THESE THINGS.

And not one of them, negates the other.

I have power, I have strength, I have compassion, I have empathy, I have love.

All of these qualities can coexist.

So the next time you view your life through a monovision lens, or someone tries to make you view it through a monovision lens, remind yourself, you are not just one of these pieces. You are ALL of these pieces. You are able to be MORE. You are able to be a mother, while being a fighter. You are able to be a nurturer, while also being an aggressor when you choose.

YOU - can be whomever you choose to be. YOU can be ALL that you want to be.

YOU do NOT have to conform to anyone's standards. YOU can be a mother, a fighter, a lover, an encourager, a friend, a daughter, a sister and anything else you want to be. One does not cancel out the other.

So go on with your bad self. Go one being you, being strong, being the person you've always wanted to be. And don't be afraid to evolve. Don't be afraid to ADD to who you are. YOU are bad ass. YOU are amazing. YOU are needed.