closing remarks on UBBT #7

Well I'm down to the wire. Only one month left of UBBT 7. I have lots of ups and down's this year but still feel that I am better for attempting the UBBT.I have taken the random acts of kindness into my everyday life and feel like it is just a part of me now. Like one of the other members of my team said its time to stop and think about the unkind acts. I like the sound of this challenge and want to try and be more aware of it. I think I will one up it and start a gratitude journal besides. I feel like I forget to think about how blessed my life is.
There has never been a time in my life where being a part of a team (UBBT 7) has been harder to stay on track and yet more rewarding for having to struggle. I know I let my team and its leader down terribly this year and yet have learned more from my failures than I would have if I had managed to stay on track.

UBBT 8 is just around the corner and I wish the new team Gods speed and success. One way or another they will be better people weather it is physical or mentally.I have already set some goals for my next year and hopefully I will have the courage and the health to achieve them. Thank you Sifu Brinker and couch Callos for allowing me to be a small part of this great adventure.

Linda Shipalesky
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, ab Canada

awesome class

As a instructor of a class I tend to take responsibility for how the atmosphere in the room is on any given day . Over time i have struggled will self doubt , self confidence , and most of all my own abilities to teach the content of the curriculum. Today something happened in my morning class that has changed my view of myself and the people who trust me, that stand in front of me twice a week and let me teach them. I really opened myself up and let them teach me. I let down my guard enough to be truly humble.
I found out lately I am suffering from anemia . It's nothing too serious but over time can rob you of energy or vitality. A month of iron shots has made a huge difference in the way I feel. So this morning standing in front of my class for the first time in years I truly wanted to participate.A few baby steps and I was again a student of Kung Fu, with my fellow comrades in arms around me, supporting me. Within minutes the entire class was in the " ZONE " Creative juices were flowing and everyone had a positive attitude.
I have to laugh at myself. I couldn't see the forest through the trees. They have been right in front of me for an endless amount of time and I have only truly seen them for the first time this morning.
Thank you fellow Kung Fu students. I truly feel connected again.
Linda