Back in black

So I'm back in the groove of life where I left off a year ago (with the addition of lil' Julia). It's funny how easy it is to fall back into things. The first time back to church or work or out with a friend you haven't seen for a long time can be scary. Are they gonna ask me awkward questions? Are they going to treat me differently? But it's important not to let fear stop you from doing the things you want to do.
I think the key is in how you approach it. If you approach your return as a positive and don't look it as something to be afraid of, then everyone else will see it the same way. If you act scared or uncomfortable then it rubs off on others.

I found coming back to class a little difficult too. It wasn't so much that I felt out of practice (though I was), I was more scared about my appearance, mostly because of my hair. It's funny how little things like that can seem such a big deal. But after wearing a hat around everyone for months, it was almost like being naked the first time I went back to class without it.

But after the first class, actually after the first 5 minutes, I didn't care anymore. Stepping onto the mats, I felt like I was home and nothing had changed. When you train in a place for so long, it triggers a certain mental state in you when you go back there. For me it is one of positivity, happiness and fond memories of sweat. I can understand what Master Brinker means when he says our kwoon is like a temple. If you approach it with the right mindset every time you step on the mats, then when you need that mindset later on, all you have to do is step on the mats.