I started Taekwondo (hereafter TKD) in September (the same week as AAMP’s big arts festival, the first days of school – it was all new all the time and totally overwhelming) and I’m enjoying it even as it is driving me crazy.

I had anticipated it being tougher on my body, but I’m finding that I can take that part in stride. The challenge is making my body pay attention to the instructions.

Coordination and quick reaction times are not big factors in my life, I’m working on them, but it’s uphill all the way. So, stepping out with my left foot while punching and then stepping back while blocking is brainfrying. Absolutely brainfrying.

I’m sure it will be good for me overall, but it’s damn hard to accept feeling stupid for an hour at a time twice a week. I’m sure it’s soul enhancing or something, maybe it creates humility?

All I know is that I am proud of myself for not shying away from the feeling, usually that sort of discomfort and uncertainty makes me back off. And sometimes cry. But so far, I’m sticking with it and my eyes are dry.

Let’s see how far I can take this.