An unfortunate reality I have had to learn lately, is that I can not control the opinions people form about me from the lies they are told by disingenuous people. I’ve run into a conundrum lately, where I have found myself being shunted by people I thought I had a lovely and cordial and even […]
Read moreIt goes without saying that the more days you have on this earth, the more hard days and bad days that inevitably arrive at your doorstep. But this also means the more wonderfully great days you will have as well. It is simply the law of averages. The conflict therein lies with understanding that no […]
Read moreI’m tired of society thinking you have to conform to one narrative to be beautiful. I have a half-shaved head, a muscular frame, gnarled fingers & toes, cauliflower ears, and am usually spotting some type of gi burn or bruising and when I tell you I have never in my life felt more beautiful than […]
Read moreA sea of sameness all around, and it’s the uniqueness in our constitutions that differentiates us all and sets us apart from the next. The things that distinguished me from a crowd when I was young and insecure and filled me with embarrassment and shame when all I wanted more than anything was to blend […]
Read moreI write about Jiu Jitsu and MMA a lot, often interspersed with my own feelings, thoughts, and experiences throughout this journey. But I have been unfair to my readers who think they are privy to the innermost workings of my mind and the things that make me tick. See, I don’t often divulge the hard […]
Read moreMove over Pinocchio, there is only one character in the story of my life working hard to become a real boy, and it ain’t some wooden ragamuffin of a puppet, so tell Gepetto to take several seats. The more you publicly put yourself out there in the world, the more you open yourself out there […]
Read moreDiscipline. A simple word in English language, but a complex subject matter not meant for the weak-willed or the mundane or mediocre. Discipline requires mastery of one’s compulsory thoughts, actions, and behaviors, and it takes years of building up the habits and the temperament to be able to accomplish this. Motivation is often fleeting, and […]
Read moreThroughout life, I have attempted to try my best. With friendships, relationships, academics, and competition. I’ve accomplished some things, but without a doubt, not one day goes by where I am sure I could have done better. Tried harder. Worked harder. Stopped making excuses. Achieved better results. But I’m a nobody in a sea full […]
Read moreI am she who fights in front. Neither watching from the back nor dictating how to lead from afar, but thrusting myself to the front lines of the challenges I face and determined to do all that I can to prepare myself for the battles to come. After all, I could never request favors of […]
Read moreSo you didn’t have the best last experience when it came to competition, right? Maybe you suffered a devastating loss after months of hard work and preparation, or suffered a freak or catastrophic injury, or even were the victim of illegitimate reffing and a bad call (gee, wonder what that can be in reference to)? […]
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