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I often get called an overthinker, but recently, a friend changed the narrative for me when she referred to me as a “deep thinker.” She explained that it isn’t a weakness or something to feel ashamed of. She said that the overthinking, when it becomes overwhelming, is my anxiety, which is a different matter. Being a deep thinker allows me to consider all angles and reflect on everything, looking beyond the surface and contemplating the philosophy behind things.
Reflecting on this shift in perspective made me realize how much this trait has shaped my journey. When I began my martial arts journey in 1989, it was an entirely different experience from what it is today—both in significant and subtle ways. Yet, martial arts have remained a magical realm for me, offering a sense of refuge and unique comfort. It’s in this realm that I see the strengths I have developed, strengths I likely would not have discovered without my years of practice.
Yet, my personal story differs significantly from those of others.
We often explore the reasons behind why people quit, but we seldom consider why they choose to stay and how they navigate the challenges and setbacks in their lives.
Why is that?
The stories of perseverance and growth are the ones that offer hope.
They are filled with life.
As a lifelong learner, both academically and physically, I’ve found that understanding the human experience involves more than just knowing how the brain works or how people think. It’s about understanding what they believe and why. These elements—belief and thought—are deeply intertwined and cannot be separated. The mind, body, and spirit form an interconnected human experience, and when any of these elements is neglected, a sense of imbalance and unease arises.
This interconnectedness has shaped my journey. Throughout my life, the work-life balance has often been scrutinized, and the idea of self-care has faced its challenges. However, I ultimately discovered that the studio was my refuge, allowing me to process everything and emerge stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Of course, there were moments of frustration, tears, and raised voices. But through it all, the anchor of hope and love consistently pulled me toward a deeper sense of joy. My love for God, for the martial arts, and people has remained a grounding force in my life.
I view the world through the lens of my faith and martial arts practice. Some may perceive this as bias, but for me, it is a source of strength. Every time there is an experience in the martial arts community, whether within my studio or through a network of connections, I’m struck by a lingering question: How does martial arts uplift some individuals yet bypass others?
This is a question that can be approached from various angles. However, significant changes take time, as do the answers to these fundamental, world-altering questions. With mental health issues and suicide rates increasing, coupled with mounting scrutiny on sports due to the intense pressure to win overshadowing the athletes’ well-being, the question of how and why sports support their athletes is ever-present. Those who struggle often slip through the cracks, disappearing into darkness and, at times, feeling alienated, while others find support and encouragement to share their experiences and inspire others.
This issue affects people everywhere, and even though it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, it has a profound impact on me. It motivates me to give back to the industry that continually offers me opportunities and joy and has truly supported me both physically and in navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome and self-awareness.
Many stories, like mine, are unique but share common threads. Some have gone unheard for years simply because the opportunity to share them never presented itself. Listening to these stories fosters understanding and encourages personal and collective growth in ways both subtle and profound. I cherish these narratives because they enrich our lives, deepen our connections, and inspire others.
Just like a smile, a powerful story can transform someone’s day, offering hope and igniting a spark of inspiration.
With that being said, at this time in my journey around the sun, I am a doctoral learner under the direction of Professor Dr. Timothy Wiltgen in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University. I am conducting a research study to explore how martial arts support female martial arts athletes’ well-being in sustaining their peak performance.
If interested, please click on the link for more information:
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