Overcoming setbacks

[Tina Jackson]

In life there are always things that will challenge you to reach your goals. They come in may ways. I will let you know a few of mine.

As a few of you know Eric (CKN Sams) and I started TKD with Master Wells 6 1/2 yrs ago. Our goal together was to achieve our black belts. Well, 3 yrs ago I hurt myself during a belt test. I was going for my Brown belt. I did pass my test but it left me injured. I had to have surgery on my knee in the following 3 months. Needless to say, it was hard for me to watch Eric go a head of me in the training we started together.

I didn't know it then but, it was the start of a very hard, challenging road ahead. During my time of recovery from my knee I found out I had cancer.. That's right, the big C word. I was very scared and so was Eric. This was a big setback!

I started to think of things a little differently. But one thing that was consistent in my mind, how long was it going to be before I get my Black belt?

I knew I had to take time off of martial arts. I knew it would be difficult for me to watch Eric (CGN Sams) continue on in his pursuit for his black belt without me. I knew I had to set new goals for getting my Black belt. And I had to be flexible on how long that would be.

Well here it is, 3 years later and I am moving forward once again.... yeah Red belt here I come!!!