"Differential Diagnosis"

Looking back at the last twelve months of my life, I realize that this was probably one of the more exciting years I’ve had in quite some time. Sure, I’ve experienced several ups and downs, but that’s what makes life so great sometimes.

Early this year I lost something very important to me, the Taekwondo dojang/dojo where I spent a good majority of my free time training in Taekwondo. Not only did we lose the facility, but I lost contact with many of the outstanding students who attended; many of who looked up to me for inspiration and guidance. The Korean Taekwondo master and his assistant, along with the American Taekwondo master, have long since vacated that empty building, but they will forever be a part of me.

It was during that same time period when I realized I was ready to completely let go of past heartbreak by sharing my experiences, sort of a final look back and farewell. My first real love who slowly became a stranger, the bartender saga, and even that one girl who inspired me for months, sure these all ended in heartbreak, but I learned and grew as a person because of it.

With those stories coming off my chest little by little, I began to look at ways I needed to improve myself. Martial Arts, Yoga, becoming more open to new experiences, military physical training, even keeping a fresh haircut and upgrading my style did wonders for me physically and mentally.

Physically I’m still taking on new challenges, and this year I improved my conditioning enough to run a 5k and do fairly well. I plan to keep this momentum going and reach a particular fitness goal I’ve set for myself.

Mentally, I’ve learned that acceptance is sometimes your only choice in life. I may not love the current town I’m in, I may not be “fitting in” with the townsfolk I’ve grown up with, but it’s of no use to sit here and complain about the situation. Accept it and start working to better it! Life isn’t going to hand you success and happiness, you have to chase it down and earn it.

Even then, happiness is fleeting and you must constantly be working to maintain it. Some may believe that finding happiness is finding a significant other/spouse, drugs, parties, meaningless one night stands, but unfortunately “everything thats shiny aint always gonna be gold.”

I guess the most important lesson I’ve learned is to keep chasing happiness without compromising your ideals, no matter what. The “thrill of the chase” and climax of attaining happiness, even for a moment, is a reward unto itself, but again I emphasize not to compromise your ideals. Constant improvement physically & mentally, omnipresent drive to always keep moving forward & growing, and an indomitable spirit to allow yourself to recover from failure and keep going, will lead to happiness, I’m sure of it!

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” – Albert Einstein

1. Steph says:

   December 21, 2009 at 9:57 pm

   Now, that’s the spirit, JJ!

   I have a few things to say to you

   1. When are you going to make a video of you doing martial arts?

   2. I do a 5k every year, but I’m no runner…I walk with the old ladies. So, what suggestions do you have for my preparation? Race is in April.

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2. TOPolk says:

   December 22, 2009 at 2:57 am

   I’d love to write some profound statement here, but I agree w/ this line of your post so much…

   “Life isn’t going to hand you success and happiness, you have to chase it down and earn it.”

   The things I wanted and worked hard for this year, I got (eventually). The things I didn’t, I didn’t.

   Here’s to a good 2009 and an even better 2010. Go for broke bro.

   Nice song choice btw…

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3. ScoMan says:

   December 22, 2009 at 3:28 am

   As I was reading through this post I found myself ofteen thinking “Hey, I remember him writing about that”. It’s funny how blogging makes us the child stars of our own stage, and our readers grow with us (or maybe I’ve just been reading too much of MJ Fox’s book lately)

   Great message to go out on.

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4. unbreakable says:

   December 22, 2009 at 4:50 pm

   Well i am happy to see that you have taken those as life lessons and moving forward with your life in a positive and upbeat manner.All the best man.

   Seasons Greetings

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5. chinkygirlmel says:

   December 23, 2009 at 11:08 pm

   Well cheers to many more trials and growth in life. I’m glad to see you taking things in so positively. Happy Holidays!

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6. Chloie says:

   December 25, 2009 at 6:17 pm

   Beautiful post! I wish you more happiness and all the best for the coming year.

   Happy holidays!

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7. Floreta says:

   December 31, 2009 at 8:13 pm

   Sounds like it was a good year for yourself. As it was for me as well It’s great how writing about something releases it, and you become better for it. Next year I hope to be in better condition physically. Think I’m in a good place mentally finally to make that process easier!

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