Part 12 of 21 improvements BJJ has had on my life. This was inspired by Tangled Triangle: 21 Days of Improvement. You can read my Part 11 here!

12/21 Improvements from BJJ:  Self-Discovery

Save for cross stitching, most of the hobbies I have enjoyed throughout the year are totally nerdy. Role playing games, Magic: the Gathering, Legend of the Five Rings, board games, Star Trek, going to conventions, etc. I’ve well explored my nerdy side.

I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention. To not be like your parents. To not be like your friends. To be yourself. To cut yourself out of stone. — Henry Rollins

Jiu jitsu took me by surprise. I have these “Who the hell am I?” moments continually. Like when I realized I’d rather buy a new gi than buy a new wonder woman costume. Or that I’d rather get a jiu jitsu shirt than a Star Trek shirt. Or I’d cancel on a tv-watching date in order to do jiu jitsu. WHO AM I?

At 37, I consider this to be a gift. It reminds me of this short movie:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8X97OL06OY”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8X97OL06OY]

In it, two Indians are discussing arranged marriage. One says “We have nothing in common,” and the other says “That’s perfect” because it means they can spend their lives getting to know one another. How cool is it that I can still learn about myself, find new reactions, and not be so damned predictable? I’m excited about it!

Jiu Jiu’s Question: Has BJJ taught you new things about yourself? What?