I must know the deeper meaning.

I’ve never been content to simply observe what is on the surface. I need to have a deeper understanding of everything I see that interests me. I must know the deeper meaning. In the world we live in today there are many people that have a surface-level understanding of matters but speak as if they are experts. I believe that because you don’t know the experiences of individuals you meet, this behavior can leave one looking foolish and cause them to miss out on an opportunity to learn. In contrast, if you have a mindset that there is always more you can learn, you will spend less time talking and more time listening.

I believe my curiosity is what lead me to Martial Arts. After joining the Marines and going through the rigorous training necessary to prepare warriors for combat, then seeing the results of this preparation in action, I realized that continued training in combat skills seemed to be the only option for me. Jiu-Jitsu is the Martial Art that has become my life, and it has given me more than I could ever give to others. People say Martial Arts is a lifelong journey of discovery and development, but I disagree. 

This is only the case if you allow it to be. Many people think merely showing up is what is necessary, but it is much more than that. It is showing up and listening, learning, developing your skills, and more importantly, your mind. This is much harder than one may think. Trying new things, facing fear, overcoming obstacles, putting yourself in danger, and (finding a way out is anything but easy. Yet, these things are all necessary to developing confidence. Jiu-Jitsu is a combat art where you can test your skills and your preparation as often as you choose, and for me, this is living life to the fullest.

My curiosity has exposed me to many individuals that have been exceptionally skilled in their craft. These individuals have been gracious enough to mentor me and give me a better understanding of the world in which they are experts. Just like Jiu-Jitsu, in life, you cannot learn what is necessary to be successful on your own. Having mentors in your life is one of the most important aspects of our personal development. There are too many things to know and understand and not enough time to put in the hours necessary to reach the levels of expertise that many people have. If you are open-minded and willing to listen and learn, mentors will show themselves, and from my experience, they are always willing to help if you are ready to listen and put into action the valuable insight they offer.

I’ve always been searching…searching for more understanding, more knowledge, and true contentment. With an open mind, willingness to listen and learn, and the mental fortitude to put the lessons into action, I believe everyone has the opportunity to get the most out of their existence.