thatgirlisfunny.com

Adventures in Living a Healthy, Juicy Life

by Cheryl Ragsdale

As the weather turns colder, I’ve started thinking about hats and scarves and whether I still have a pair of gloves that match. But wait!  There’s something missing.  Something  to keep me warm all winter – a balaclava!

There’s something about balaclavas that makes me laugh. Maybe it’s the way British people say “balaclaaaaavah”.  No, it doesn’t rhyme with cadaver.  Sort of the same way, Brits say “banaaaana”. Giggling happens immediately.

Unfortunately, people use balaclavas as masks to hide their identity when they’re causing injury or up to no-good.  That doesn’t make me laugh.

Interesting what changes when you shift the context, isn’t it?  Consider what happens whenever you’ve decided to take on a new challenge, change a habit or adopt a new one.

Courage is required as you introduce your new idea to the people around you. Do they greet you with warm smiles and cheerful encouragement or is it more like you’ve just declared yourself to be Mr. Wrong?

What we’re really asking for is to be supported by others as we re-invent something about ourselves.  “Please change your point of view about me,” is our unspoken request. The truth is, people won’t see us in the new way – our new context – until there’s enough evidence to support our level of commitment.

Have the courage to experiment with new ideas. More importantly have the courage to allow people to see you “the way they know you to be” until they’ve seen enough new evidence to allow you to be someone different or - if you get tired of waiting - make some new friends and tell  the ones who stubbornly refuse to see you in your new way to “get stuffed”.

Balaclava’s were originally made in chainmail and worn under a Warrior’s helmet.  Amazing that something so warm and wonderful came from something cold and hard. In both cases, the intention is the same – to provide protection from harsh elements.

This last guy has one of those Muay Thai (kick-boxing) headpieces.  I’m reminded of someone…

Jorge Rivera, UFC Fighter, has been known to wear a chainmail balaclava during his walk-out to the octagon.  Jorge or Georgie, as he’s known to his friends, is a warm and gentle man. All that changes, of course, when he’s face to face with his opponent.

I love that about fighters.  Here’s what I’ve noticed. They know how to be fierce and they know when to be gentle.  They know when to fight and when to listen.  They make sacrifices, many of us wouldn’t dream of making, to be the best they can be. They have deep respect for themselves and for other people.  Most of all, they love fighting.  Fighting is their way of playing, relaxing and honoring themselves. They’re committed to their sport. They provide lots of evidence to demonstate their commitment. That’s living life juicy!

What would it be take for you to walk around wearing a balaclava mask or the chainmail version?  Most of us are too self-conscious to do anything so silly.  I guess that’s why we have Halloween – one night out of the year to hide behind a mask and be a kid again.

Don’t wait for Halloween!  Be courageous!  Take a minute today to think of something funny or silly or playful that you can do. Make it happen! You’ll smile. You might even laugh. You’ll definitely feel better. Maybe you’ll find a new way to play, relax and honor yourself? Want to borrow one of my balaclavas?

Please let us know what you’re thinking.  We love your comments!

Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera vs Rob Kimmons at UFC 104 on Saturday, October 24, 2009

Good luck, Georgie! Our love and support are surrounding you in the octagon.

******

Update on Fight Results:

UFC 104 results:  Jorge Rivera Wins by Technical Knock Out over Rob Kimmons at 1:53 minutes into the 3rd round!

Fighting Ain’t Easy, It’s a Hard Knock Life for UFC 104’s Jorge Rivera posted on www.Bloodyelbow.com

Fight Results www.ufc.com/jorgerivera

******

photo credit:  Deadly KnitShade,  two balaclava masks ,  Jorge Rivera, Rivera MMA Academy – photos by Bobby Flynn

******

Subscribe to ThatGirlisFunny
keep up with new posts and get "stay young from the inside out" tips
Name:
Email:
Powered by Optin Form Adder

Related posts:

1. How I Met Four UFC Fighters
2. How boxing and martial arts landed me on the cover of “50 Athletes Over 50 Teach Us to Live a Strong, Healthy Life”
3. 12 Key Success Factors to Know Before You Bend the Rules
4. What I Learned from Watching Kenny Florian Train with Benson Henderson – 2 MMA Fighters, 10 Lessons
5. Top 10 Reasons Fred Loves Being the Oldest Guy “On the Mat”