Break Through Your Trials

I have broken boards with my bare hands. When I was 18, I took a TaeKwonDo class for college credit. In this class I learned new levels of confidence, flexibility, and strength. I was super excited to be a part of the class. I knew that one of my strengths was, well, strength. I have always been a "tough-girl," it is in my blood. (I am mostly Scottish.) I thought Martial Arts was the perfect place to test out my physical capacity, and see how strong I really was. 

I quickly worked my way up the ranks, and I became the leader of the class. I would conduct the class exercises, and call out how many knuckle push-ups to do. Most of the time I had to have boys for partners, because the girls were, well, too… fragile. However, the boys got pretty mad when I threw them over my back onto the floor, that was always fun. 

I found much joy participating in Marital Arts. It was perfect for me. It was a great way to release my inner power, both physically, and mentally. There were many great experiences I gained from that class, but there was one that stands out above all others… 

Breaking boards. 

I still vividly remember the day we learned how to break through boards. I recall a level of excitement in the air, as we anxiously awaited the chance to prove our worth to our Master. (He was the "Mr. Miyagi" of our class. Wax-on, wax-off.) He was the leader, and we all wanted to impress him. The class formed a line, and everyone was to take their turn at a special Martial Arts plank. 

I stood in front of my TaeKwonDo Master -- who strongly resembled Billy Blanks from the TaeBo videos -- and I felt ready to punch through the board. After all, I could do fifty push-ups on my knuckles, surely I was prepared. I stood in front of the board, wearing my black uniform, and I was confident in my ability to break the board, with my strength. I was a tough girl, a strong girl -- I was so sure I would be successful. I pulled back my arm, clenched my fist, and let out a loud, "Kee-Ya!" while thrusting my fist towards the plank. 

But the only thing that broke was my pride. 

I did not break the board. My obstacle was still completely intact, and my hand and confidence were badly bruised. 

I had failed, and it hurt! 

I stood there, defeated, and then my Martial Arts Master told me something I will never forget. He profoundly said, "This time look through the board. Visualize your hand on the other side of the board." 

Look through the board. 

So, I approached the board again, with trepidation. I had already tried, and failed -- my confidence had been shaken. But I had been given advice from my wise Master, and I was going to do my best to take it -- or damage my hand trying.  

Look through the board. 

I properly positioned myself, and my pride, and I formed a visual image of my hand on the other side of the board. This time I knew I was not supposed to focus on the board, I was supposed to look past it. Look past the obstacle… do not focus on the obstacle. I let out another loud, ear-piercing yell, "KEE-YA!!!" 

I broke through! 

This moment has stayed with me throughout my life. As I have considered how I should make it through my current trials and obstacles, my "breaking-through" experience came to my mind. 

I am trying to look through the obstacle, and visualize myself on the other side. 

Somehow, miraculously, I can look through the death and separation of my sweetheart, and see the other side… eternity and forever. With that visual in mind, breaking-through is possible. 

I would much rather breakthrough, than breakdown. 

There is always a way to look beyond your obstacle, and have a vision of conquering it in your mind. Whatever the trial you are facing in your life…look through it. Look through it, and see a better day ahead -- a better you in the future. 

Look through your trials, and breakthrough! 

The Master of all Masters will be well-pleased when you do.