The Art of Discipline

My daughter has been studying karate for several years now. In the Fall she graduated from the Little Ninjas program to Kickin' Kids. The new program is much more intense and requires more skill and discipline. Faith absolutely loves karate. Her favorite thing is sparing where she has to wear a helmet and hand and foot gear. She looks forward to it every week and if for some reason there isn't class she is truly disappointed!

Last week she had her first Kickin' Kids graduation and she earned her orange belt. I was very surprised at the end of the ceremony when her instructor selected her as the "Student of the Semester." When she left Little Ninjas last year she was selected as the "Student of the Year," so when she was selected again I was truly moved to tears. You see, to me this isn't just an award. She was chosen for her discipline, focus, and drive to help others. As a parent, what more reward could there be than to have your child recognized for these things?

Of course, if you know my daughter, she really doesn't like attention (certainly not like her mom!) I told her how proud I was of her and she told me to stop that it's no big deal! Well, it is a big deal--this wasn't some generic trophy that everyone received. I know someday she'll appreciate and understand this, but it was so rewarding as a parent to have your child recognized for those attributes that you want them to have.

In our own lives much of what we do requires discipline. If you want to exercise or eat a certain way you need to be consistent to see the results and you need discipline and focus to achieve that. Our minds and emotions work the same way. Thoughts are just thoughts. Negative thoughts can be changed--attitudes can be changed. It just takes discipline, focus, and mindfulness to do so.

Reflect on this in your own life. Start small--is there one negative thought that nags at you? It could be something you think and don't even realize that you think about often. Try to counter it with a positive thought and keep doing so. Here's an example, getting out of bed in the morning--do you drag yourself out dreading the day ahead? If so, try before your feet even hit the floor thinking, it's going to be a great day! I'm not saying that things won't happen to you during the day that can bring you down, but what a better way to start off the day on a positive note than a negative one? Try it for yourself and see.

In gratitude,
Deanna