A Case of Misdirected Success

The path to success in developing mastery has always been routed in positive life changes that are sustainable. 2016 was a difficult year for our family on many fronts.  From job loss, to family health issues, challenges with learning needs of our kids, 2016 has had diversity.  In the aftermath of grading and promotion in Kung Fu, it is easy to look back and think that timing could not have been worse.  But that just wouldn’t be true.

There is a possibility that I approached things wrong in 2016, but I often felt that I was in a period of catch up.  There has been a growing list of items over the last several years that had been starved of my attention.  Those items really didn’t present themselves until I stood back from things and had a look at the bigger picture.  Achieving my goals was often at the expense of others, and that is not sustainability. 

2016 may have seen missed opportunities on some fronts, but wild successes on others.  Here is what I mean: 

My wife tackled the near death (leg 1 and 2) of the Canadian death race.  This is a marathon distance but through mud, up mountains, roots, rocks, forest. Her perseverance in the run blew me away even after 13 years of marriage. I couldn’t have been more proud.

The outdoor education center at camp Teepee pole was a smashing success.  (A big shout out to Brandon Regier and Stephanie for their help on this one).  The camp utilized the facility to teach campers of fish preservation in an outstanding presentation by Trout Unlimited. Good things are going to come from this in the future.

I spent more quality time with my dad than I have ever this past year.  That is time and memories that can never be taken away.

My son moved to a school that addressed his dyslexia (that would be irony if I spelled that wrong wouldn’t it?)  Leaving his friends, comfort and familiarity on his own will because he wanted to read.  His teacher has said his motivation and drive is extremely rare.

Our plight toward mastery in the I Ho Chuan is designed to show positive effects in our lives and the ones around us. If those fruits are not recognized, it may be wise to question whether they are sustainable.

This leads to the question, if our quest for mastery can’t be shared with the world, why on earth are we doing it at all?