You know, I nearly didn’t write this blog today. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered if I’ve got anything to say that’s worth saying but sometimes the writer’s block is cleared by simply writing. I’ve also been out the country for the Christmas break with family. What’s refreshing is the calm compared to my normal day to day life. It’s given me the chance to put things into perspective as well as of course have some quality time with those closest to me. The latter being the most important.

By now you’ve probably gathered I think a lot about what I’m doing with martial arts and what I want to achieve. It’s fair to say that I spend a lot of my time when i’m not training, thinking about training. Some of my trainers often talk about being able to flick the ‘on’ switch. Sometimes I wish I was better at being able to switch off. I guess that’s a work in progress too.

So the past week has been a blessing as it’s given (and it’s still giving me) some time to recharge and just to be me. I’ve made a point of doing some exercise, and tomorrow like yesterday, I’ll go for a run to start the day off before getting ready to head home for the new years eve celebrations.

I’m looking forward to getting out on the tiles, (I don’t do it as much as I’d like to anymore but you can’t beat a good knees up.) But I’ll admit it..it’s going to be better to get back to training. It’s a good feeling having new goals to aim for in the coming year, but sometimes for me its a better feeling turning up at the gym just because you want to turn up at the gym.

I’ll give myself a week to get back into the swing of things before I start focusing on my next fight. I’ve been thinking recently about how I feel about fighting, and really its made me realize what a big commitment competing is. There’s a lot of sacrifices involved but ultimately the end result is always worth it. The hard work blood, sweat and tears isn’t something everyone appreciates or understands, but for me it’s this and the increasing  test of myself that are another reason to keep going back. And besides, I know I’ll have some good stories to tell in years to come. I’ve got a few already.

So next year I intend to get to the top of my game, and be the best I can be in and out the gym and the ring. That’s the thing with me, I’m always wanting just a little bit more, just to get a little bit further. It helps me stay focused and more importantly it helps me stay determined. I guess it helps being surrounded by people that constantly inspire me to be at my best too.

So really when I look back at 2013 and the past 6 odd years I guess I’m kind of pleased with me. I was a different person before I found martial arts and I like to think its helped me become a better one. I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you all in the new year, and thank you for taking the time to read my blog so far. Have a good new year, and walk tall. I’ll see you on the road.

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