"Cor blimey, guv! Me dog and bone's all knitted!"
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.
balaclava for a really cold day
"If it's that cold, don't go out!"
Mr. Wrong
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.
baby in balaclava
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Balaclava’s were originally made in chainmail and worn under a Warrior’s helmet.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
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.
Jorge Rivera - Dragon Lair Fight Team - Rivera MMA
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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
Jorge Rivera Victory over Rob Kimmons at UFC 104
Jorge Rivera TKO Rob Kimmons UFC 104
Jorge Rivera vs Rob Kimmons UFC 104
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photo credit: Deadly KnitShade, two balaclava masks , Jorge Rivera, Rivera MMA Academy – photos by Bobby Flynn
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Umm, I think if I saw anyone wearing those masks outside that they were about to rob some store haha.
Honestly, i haven’t come across anybody wearing balaclavas these days. Strange but true. The only ones i am seeing are on TV where the ‘bad guys’ wear them
But if i were to wear one, it would be near or during Halloween. But come to think of it..who cares anyway…I may as well wear a pair of sunglasses altogether so that no one recognizes me!
Sandy@Hearing Aid Reviews´s Last Fabulous Post [type] ..MIRACLE EAR HEARING AIDS
Twitter: verypashmina
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If it’s only half as cold this winter as last one then I’m definitely going to be getting a balaclava….. though not necessarily one complete with muffler, lipstick and ponytails!
Is@Pashmina´s Last Fabulous Post [type] ..silk scarves
I thought that the word Balaclava originated from a place one the Black Sea in Ukraine. The British Army was stationed there and it was so cold and miserable that they kept dying… then British women sent these woolly masks to Balaclava for the troops.
.-= Sofie @ Evening Shawls´s Last Fabulous Post blog ..Carla Bruni’s Camel Evening Shawl =-.
I love balaclavas when I skiing but if I was to wear on in the winter where I live it wouldnt be taken too well…people would definitely get the wrong idea!
.-= Terry @ Tomato Costumes´s Last Fabulous Post blog ..About Us =-.
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
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Hi Terry,
I think that’s true for all of us
Thanks for leaving a comment – now I know where to go if I want to be a tomato for Halloween
.-= Cheryl´s Last Fabulous Post blog ..Practice the Fun Theory and Stay Young from the Inside Out =-.
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
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hahaha! Hi Cherlock,
Strawbreeze and bluebreeze…too funny! Your mother-in-law was a very special person. I love how you’re remembering her!
I delight in saying UM-brella instead of um-BRELL-a. Even better, “I’m missing my left wellie and has anyone seen my brolley?”
Hard to believe it’s the same language sometimes.
Let’s stay connected,
Cheryl
I’m afraid that here, they would indeed arrest me! I am cold from October until April so I wouldn’t mind trying it, that’s for sure. My mother-in-law was from London and if any of us said the word strawberries, she would correct us by say strawbreeze. She did likewise with blueberries, etc. Since she has passed, the entire family pays homage to her when together and pronounce words “Mum”s way.”
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
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You would definitely get some funny looks…especially if you wore the pink one. I noticed a design flaw – no nose holes. haha!
Twitter: commentluv
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I think I’d get arrested if I wore a balaclava in the streets!
.-= Andy Bailey´s last blog ..5 Ways to get more (comment)Luv =-.