Forward

by Sifu Nick Francis

I'm sitting here at a Chinese cafe called "Luckin Coffee? As I write this, I am not exaggerating at all when I tell you that I am on my fourth drink. Perhaps it is because I am terribly jet lag, or more likely, the drinks are just wonderfully cheap (and good). 😋

As many of you know, I had been very hesitant to leave the school and all its members this year. Typically, my year is filled with 46 weeks of training with all of you added to my personal training in Hong Kong and Singapore, a short family holiday and an end year break. Simply stated, this anticipated getaway is not out of the ordinary.

This has me pondering... Why such unease?

Herein lies my concerns and my excitement, for it is all wrapped up in this one word,

— FORWARD —

If I am sharing honestly, the idea of moving forward actually presents me with a dilemma. I know that forward is the only direction any of us can actually move, but I find myself clinging to all that is and all that has been.

Once upon a time all I ever pursued was change.

Now, it seems, every little bit of change gives me cause for unrest and a sense of weariness.

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This reminds me of an empowering story my college mentor repeatedly shared with me over our years together. I hope it is ok that I share it with you?

Already in his mid 80's at the time, he told me this story.

(This is how I recall him telling it):

When I was in college, I would work summers at a camp.

Tasked with patrolling the overnight, it was my job to make sure all the campers were safe

and not out and about in the midnight hours.

I distinctly remember my unease,

when all I had to help navigate the darkness was a single flashlight,

bright enough only to illuminate one step ahead.

Those summers taught me how to find courage, peace and trust.

I couldn't see everywhere, but I could see enough.

I couldn't see everything, but I could see something.

Each step calling me forward...

Thanks Gil.

I am so glad you were here to teach me how to walk in the darkness

and how to live trusting the light.

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So that's it! This trip is about my intention to embrace moving forward. As much as I would like to just stay right here where I am, that would signify the end of the road, the end of the journey.

But we still have more to do!

and

Forward is the only way!

So what does forward mean exactly?

I wish I could answer this for you.

I cannot explain where forward leads but

I can describe what it looks like along the way.

The future is only a reflection of the steps taken along the way.

• Steps of peace lead to a place of peace.

• Steps in "perfect practice" lead to the place of trusted skills.

• Steps of discipline and commitment lead to the assurance that eventually we will get to where we are going.

• Steps inviting growth and change lead to where we become the person we were hoping to be.

• Steps of courage grant us the power where we can always take just one more.

I suppose FORWARD, if we allow it, is really a wonderful place to go and if we faithfully do so, the steps we take is really the only thing that matters.

I hope you'll come along with me and learn to enjoy every step along the way!

But first, I'm off to get to another cup! ☕️