All I can do in life is try, and I promise I am out here doing the best that I can. Oh do I stumble more frequently than an elf drudged up on too much eggnog, but still I continue to try. And I enjoy recognizing the efforts of those who are out here trying […]
Read moreThe Hammer & the Nail
There are days where regardless of what’s going on, I’m a positive ray of sunshine, and then there are days far too often where no matter what the circumstances surrounding me are, I can’t seem to shake the feeling of overcast clouds encroaching upon me. There’s a pretty common saying in Jiu Jitsu; sometimes you’re […]
Read moreLand of the Free, Because of the Brave
Very few times in life am I privileged enough to be part of an experience so truly humbling, that it takes my brain time to process everything that went down. As any of you who read my blog know, I am a huge advocate for mental health care, and I wanted to shine a light […]
Read moreIt’s Okay to Not be Okay
Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more posts on social media in regards to mental health and my friend’s persistent struggles with bouts of sadness and depression. These feelings impact more people than we could possibly imagine, but since mental health is seen as a “weakness” or taboo subject, many end up suffering in silence, […]
Read moreBurned by Toxicity
Everywhere you turn these days, we see inspirational quotes and articles about letting go of the toxic relationships in your life, but what about the toxic relationship we have with ourselves? Are we the sole cause of a ceaseless dumpster fire of bad juju? Earlier today, I wanted to gain some perspective and insight on […]
Read moreStress Less, Live Best
I spent years of my life being a perfectionist. Slaving over my work and striving for achievements until I excelled. I was a straight A student, involved in multiple clubs and extra curricular activities, volunteered in my spare time and played on a variety of Varsity sports teams. I was on the Dean’s list, the […]
Read moreGetting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
When I write these blogs, I like to imagine myself akin to Carrie Bradshaw a la Sex and the City, but I probably more accurately resemble Oscar the Grouch, clacking annoyingly away at my keyboard from the trash can that is my life. I’m dumped on. A lot. At work, at home, on the mats, […]
Read moreWinners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win
I will not quit, not ever. In life, on the mats, in a fight, I won’t ever stop. All the eyes watching me, whether rooting for me or secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) hoping I fail, they will never see me give up. Either I finish and wind up victorious, or I lose after […]
Read moreAlways Bent, Never Broken
My body is deteriorating at a rapid rate. I’ve crunched bones, torn ligaments, fractured disks, sprained joints, concussed myself, swelled up my skin, dislocated body parts, and spilled my own blood more times than I can count. But I don’t quit. I don’t stop. Either I am exceptionally stupid, or I’m woefully stubborn. Either way, […]
Read moreThough She Be But Little, She Is Fierce
Strike one: I’m a woman. Strike two: I am small. Strike three: I picked the most physically demanding sport possible. Truth is, I always wanted to fight. I’ve dreamed about it for a long time. At the age of 14, I was gifted my very first iPod and created my Apple ID. The security question […]
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