The journey itself, the discovery process, that is the hard part, but it is also where the greatest rewards are found.
Doing something new or creative is like going on a journey into uncharted territory. It is difficult. It is scary. At times it feels lonely and hopeless.
If the work you are doing is at all worth pursuing, there is no way to get where you are going without also going through this struggle. Keep in mind, however, that this struggle is part of the journey.
The journey is not meant to be easy. That is why so few even start. Fewer still keep going.
Stay the course long enough to overcome these difficulties and you will find that these experiences begin to define your character and outlook on life for the better. What’s more, they become tools for overcoming what is ahead and for guiding others down a better path than you yourself took.
Holistic Budo: As it is in budo, so too it is in life. As it is in life, so too it is in budo.
-Robert Van Valkenburgh is co-founder of Taikyoku Mind & Body, Severna Park’s Holistic Chamber of Commerce, and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu