Yes, Tai Chi. This month, my goal was to practice Tai Chi every day. Why Tai Chi? Because I need to be the next Patrick Swayze in Roadhouse! Duh.

Lol no. I’ve been wanting to learn Tai Chi for years so decided this would be the perfect time. I chose this for November knowing that the weather would be getting colder, and I wouldn’t want to be charged with going outside every day like I was through October. It’s something calming yet active- a perfect transition indoors.

My purpose for these 30-day challenges is to help restore some balance into my life and it’s this time of year every single year that the imbalance is front and center in my awareness as I try not to quit my job in a rush of desperation. Tai Chi is known for its healing qualities. Healing for the soul just as much for the body. Even though this year has been really great so far, my soul is still tired right now, so it seemed the perfect choice.

The first thing I have to say is that Tai Chi is surprisingly difficult. The moves themselves aren’t hard, but the pace makes it so. Making sure to keep the proper form through the slower pace is not easy. I find myself growing impatient and wanting to speed it up, so that’s something I’m working through. That’s a lesson in itself. I’ve continually been sore from what seems like it should be so simple and easy. Because of all of that- I couldn’t do it every single day. I would find my arms shaking trying to keep them up, or my leg/hip sore from the shifting of weight back and forth, and as I became more fatigued emotionally, it became even more difficult. Then I would have to go back and review again because I would forget some of the steps.

I had a solid plan going into it (because of course I had a plan, have you met me?). The program I’m doing has 9 parts. I planned to do each one for 3 days with a couple buffer days just in case. Ah, best laid plans…that happened once lol. I’m ending the month having only made it through four because I had to repeat them so many times. I’m not upset by that, but I am surprised. I never imagined it would be like that. While the challenge is over and a new one begins tomorrow, I am going to continue on until I finish them all, however long that takes. I’ve really enjoyed learning this and the way it feels. I didn’t expect it to take so long to stick, but it’s a work in progress.

I could have moved on as planned, but I wouldn’t feel at all proficient and then I’d have to ask what my purpose is. I want to learn it not just do it for the sake of doing it. So, it’s taking me longer and that’s ok. The challenge wasn’t to be a Tai Chi expert in 30 days, so I still consider this a success. I can walk through the first four parts from memory. I’m on the right track as far as I’m concerned and let’s be real, that’s who matters here lol.

So, I feel good. Another month and challenge down, and the year is flying by. I’m excited to start the next challenge while incorporating this one throughout to continue learning and growing. These past few months have really pushed me in so many different ways; I’m curious to see how I’m feeling by the end of the year. Every day is an adventure 🙂