Well, okay, not an actual or metaphorical box but in fact in the ring (or actually studio!)
After years and years of observing others, I had my very first boxing lesson yesterday. My entire body is feeling it today. It was pleasingly tricky getting out of bed this morning. I’m suddenly most aware of my rib cage.
Trying new things likely makes you feel silly. There’s no getting round it. I felt, for much of the session, that I was flailing around, I was incredibly aware of spaghetti arms at various points, laughing it off, enjoying it, feeling accomplished and willing.
A new skill. It’s good you know, keeping the brain waves fresh and robust. Challenges are good and, often, become addictive – but it’s a good kind of addiction. It’s a form of self-improvement.
I didn’t write a blog post yesterday and I think I know why – it marked exactly 14 months alcohol-free for me. It’s wonderful to see what progress I’ve made, it doesn’t stop the occasional temptation of course.
With any behaviour, it’s crucial to remember what you’re gaining AND what you’re losing. Under the cloud of drunkenness, I was incredibly reactive, angry, sluggish – there was a total lack of focus.
Maybe I flailed around a bit in my sparing session but when under the influence, I wasted my energy. What I gain in sobriety is clarity, peacefulness and determination.
You’ll simply come to realise that success is largely down to laser-focusing your efforts and understanding the noise is meaningless.