(IN) COURAGE

The premise is to ‘interview’ people I admire with 7 questions.

1) What do you do for a career? (also include if you are a parent/grandparent) “Career” is a difficult word for me. I run a Martial Arts dojo that is not for profit. It is open only 15 hours per week but it gives me great purpose; motivation to seek training for myself and the opportunity to provide mentoring and useful life skills to others . I also work as a makeup artist in the film industry. For this, I am a paid professional doing a specialized job. This work gives me a both financial compensation and a great deal of personal satisfaction. So what is my career? Artist? Raising a (now adult) son isn’t something I considered a job so much as a blessing…

2) Who has inspired you? Why?
Different people have inspired me during different phases of life. In the Martial Arts, Karate influencer Jesse Enkamp had a huge impact on how I perceived my journey in the martial arts. I found an international tribe of like-minded people at his gatherings. I met Patrick McCarthy through Jesse. In listening to and speaking to these two, I had the epiphany that my martial journey was my own. Owning who I am and what I do was life changing. The next influential person is my mentor for personal safety training Kelee Arrowsmith. She took the next steps with me; helping me to define my training/teaching mission and to put it into action.We met several times a week online and I spent time in South Africa and US training with her and husband Mark Human.

3) What are some examples of things you’ve done that are courageous?
The most courageous thing I can bring to mind at this moment was my decision to embrace international travel solo. This simple act has been more empowering than I could have imagined. I travel specifically for training camps at this time but I can imagine myself traveling for other reasons in the future. I definitely plan to return to both South Africa and Okinawa.

4) Do you have a ‘bucket list’?
I think the idea of a bucket list is very nice but I could not honestly say I have one. I tend to fulfill my wants and needs both purposefully and as the Universe dictates. If I die tomorrow, I will feel no regrets.

5) What inspiring advice would you give for others?
I am always spouting what I think are words of wisdom lol. This is something I recently said to a teenage black belt student. “ I know that you practice gratitude each day and are mindful to always thank others. With this habit in mind, I will ask you to add something to this ritual. Choose something you like about yourself; perhaps think about a small victory you may have had. Feeling good about yourself is something that for some people needs practice What we tell ourselves is so important…

6) Is there something about you/your work or hobby you’d like to be shared?
When I have too much time between jobs, I paint… I paint ballerinas and faces and whatever just flows through in the moment. I guess after answering these questions I learned something about myself: I identify as an artist. Work, hobbies, it’s all the same… didn’t someone say “do what you love, love what you do”? That’s me.

7) HOT SEAT! What is your question for me?
I don’t have a question for you because I enjoy discovering things about you from social media, your blog (and talking to Jeff) … you definitely make me smile

The first thought in starting this blog was to talk to people that inspire me and share their thoughts with others. Since the first post, I have had the courage to ask others in hopes they will participate.

It is an honor that Sensei Linda agreed to participate. The responses are fascinating, and I find that we have a lot in common! Once again, my hope is that these both inspire and encourage anyone who reads this.