After years of pursuing a career in opera I finally came to
the realization that I was no longer passionate about my chosen path. Working in the corporate world I began to feel like I was supporting an expensive hobby.
I discovered that I was an intelligent and articulate professional who
was able to easily maneuver in some of the most highly stressful
situations. Using the unique
opportunities presented to me I developed an understanding of myself,
how to capitalize my strengths and build up my weaknesses.
I've always loved being physical. Swimming laps before work
had been my workout of choice for several years following a back injury. After getting married I also began training in
the martial arts with my husband. This
was both physically and mentally challenging in a way that I had not
encountered before; and I loved it. Martial arts unlocked a
side of myself that was already there, but hiding beneath the surface. As more time passed and my training advanced I understood the importance of what I was doing for
myself. I was becoming stronger; both physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Fast forward a few years; three children, stay at home mom, 2nd degree black belt in a mixed martial arts self-defense system and nearly a 1st degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo. With the
support of my husband left my corporate life behind to raise our kids.
My new title required much more than I had originally anticipated. Having most of the skills required to be
adequate in my new position I soon discovered the need to develop other talents to be
successful. Volunteer, advocate,
chauffeur, personal assistant, chef, mind reader, medic, therapist, cleaning
lady and body guard are just some of my new job descriptions. I secretly stressed that I was over my pay
grade, but there was no turning back and failure was not an option.
I quickly realized that more than one of the guiding
principles at my last corporate positions was actually true. Don’t “pick your battles”. Fight them all. Bullshit, right? Wrong.
Moms aren’t afforded the luxury of choosing, they have to be at the
ready at all times and on point or the consequences could be massive. I was thankful that I was in good shape
because there was no time to build up my cardio now.
My Battlemom persona was born after my oldest son begged me on
Memorial Day to turn our family SUV into a tank and go into battle. Lightbulb! It all became so clear to me who I had become after all these years of
training.
I wake up unsociably early armed with an extreme exercise
regimen, full frontal sarcasm, home-brewed black coffee, a closet full of tank
tops, a bandoleer of chap stick, a trunk full of reusable shopping bags, and a
recipe for almost any occasion. Like a
ship in full sail, I cruise into town ready for battle.
