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Adventures in Living a Healthy, Juicy Life

by Cheryl Ragsdale

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”  Goethe

Kenny Florian, UFC Fighter, and Cheryl Ragsdale

Last year, during the summer, someone challenged me to set a crazy goal – something I didn’t think was achievable. After giving it some thought, I came up with one. I’m a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts, particularly fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) franchise.  Laughing, I told my friends “my goal is to meet 4 Ultimate Fighters before my next birthday” around 12 weeks away.

Jorge Rivera, UFC fighter, and Cheryl Ragsdale

I made my list: Jorge “el Conquistador” Rivera, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian,  Marcus “the Irish Hand Grenade” Davis and  Matt “the Terror” Serra. Three of these fighters live in Massachusetts.  Matt lives in NY. Just for fun, I added Forrest Griffin to the list.

I googled Jorge Rivera. USMMA in Bellingham, popped up. Hmm…Bellingham is about an hour from me. I giggled as I sent him an email, never expecting to hear back from him.  A day later, I did!  He was gracious and invited me down to try out one of the classes at his gym. 

I drove down to Bellingham and trained with Jorge. It was awesome! After class, I asked Jorge if I could have my picture taken with him – I needed proof, otherwise no one would believe me.  Then he said, “stick around, TapouT’s coming.”

TapouT showed up!

Skyskrape, Mask and Punkass watching guys sparring

What?!  I was already giddy from meeting Jorge.  I looked up and guess who was coming through the door!  Skyskrape, Mask and Punkass, the guys from the Spike TV show, TapouT!   With my mouth hanging open, I waved at Skyskrape and watched as a camera crew came in followed by two of the fighters they were filming plus a fighter I’d seen on another TV series,  The Ultimate Fighter,  Patrick Schultz.  Well, that was easy!

Even though I hadn’t met the specific fighters on my list, I considered my goal achieved and thought about what I could do next to increase the challenge. Several people suggested that I sign up for a martial arts class. Why would I do that? I was already taking boxing lessons.

I googled martial arts schools in Boston. I started visiting and taking free classes. I liked it!  Which art shall I choose? Jiu Jitsu seemed to be the most “gentle” and least damaging since I was already practicing my striking skills. 

My friend, Orion, told me that Keith Florian and his brother, Kenny Florian, were planning to open a new school during the month of August. I headed down to check it out. I met Keith and Ana and really liked their vibe. I felt at home. I signed up. Turns out, I was their first female student.  I created a new long term goal to be Florian Martial Arts Center’s (FloMAC’s) first female student to earn a black belt.

Cheryl Ragsdale and Din Thomas, UFC Fighter

Different fighters show up to train with Kenny, like UFC fighter, Marcus Davis, for instance.  He visits FloMAC from time to time. Remember, he was third on the list.      A woman named Josephine started taking classes with us. She’s a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Guess who she trained under in NY? Matt “the Terror” Serra!  Close enough. 

 What about Forrest Griffin?  Forrest fought Anderson Silva at UFC 101 on August 8^th.  And I was there!!  Anderson is ranked as one of the top three, pound for pound, MMA fighters in the world.  Even more exciting than the Anderson – Forrest bout was the Kenny Florian – BJ Penn fight.  As of this writing, BJ is still the current UFC Lightweight Champion.  Kenny is continuing his quest to bring that championship belt home to Boston.  Go Kenny!!  It was a great fight!

Patrick Cote, UFC Fighter and Cheryl Ragsdale

I treasure being around people who set goals and have something to strive for that other people think is crazy or impossible.  Having goals gives you something interesting to talk about.  People get inspired listening to your updates as you advance towards your goal. Being happy is infectious! Being happy is sexy!

What’s something interesting that you could definitely commit to as a goal to work towards? 

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back.   Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that, ignorance of which, kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.    All sorts of things occur – that would never have occurred.   A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor, all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.   Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”  Goethe

It doesn’t have to be huge. Just remembering to laugh and have fun every day builds your happiness muscle. Please share your thoughts in the comments section. Talking about it is halfway to getting it done. Be fearless. Go public. Write one of your goals in the comments box.

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About Cheryl

Cheryl has written 367 posts on this blog.

Cheryl Ragsdale trains in Mixed Martial Arts with UFC Fighter Kenny Florian and Keith Florian at Florian Martial Arts. She applies her fight training to teaching people how to handle verbal skirmishes in professional and personal relationships. When people behave badly, who do you turn to for support and guidance? Have you chosen the right people to be in your corner? Have you chosen them for the right reasons? If you’re not sure, Cheryl can help. Schedule some time to talk to her or read her ebook, "So, You Lost the First Round". Use the contact form on this blog or Twitter @thatgirlisfunny

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