Spirit of a Fighter | 8 of 16

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If you seen any cliché martial arts movie, you have probably witnessed the mantra, Spirit of a Fighter.  In all the movies I’ve seen though, I was never one that quickly lumped myself into this group. However, Pablos, my roommate and the one I trained with and grew close with during my stay in China, thought otherwise. 

Pablos and I spoke frequently about various relationships we had back home: family, friends, girlfriends; some good, some not so good.  I was sharing with him a scenario where I opened myself up in a very vulnerable way and expressed the feelings that I had for a particular young lady. The time came where I knew her disinterest was apparent and I needed to walk away. My end goal was ultimately for her happiness and it was clearly evident that it was not going to be with me. He asked if we still talked. And as much as I thought about her, the answer was no. He told me I was strong and that was attributed to having the Spirit of a Fighter. I didn’t  make that connection, but he did. 

What Pablos was referencing was my ability to fight with myself internally, and walk away. It was better for the greater good, even if it was going against what I wanted. This was not the first time he told me I had the Spirit of a Fighter though. The first time he mentioned this was when I shared with him why I traveled alone to seek out the discipline that I knew I needed, because I might not be able to receive such training back home.

He defined this “spirit” as doing what is needed and not always what is desired. When these notions conflict, it takes a true fighter to step up and face these challenges head on. What Pablos helped me to realize is that with everything I have been striving to do, personally and professionally, through my wins and losses, I have been cultivating a fighter's spirit for many years. I was a guy who would step up and deal with the internal first, even when I loathed the idea of it. Realizing this has been both humbling and empowering. Understanding this and that others can see it too is where, I feel, the true work begins. 

Talk soon & God bless,
MG

Edited By: DJ Williams 
​Graphics By: Hand-Ability