Last night I had the incredible opportunity to go and spend some time with a big group of girls in downtown Ottawa.
My past soccer coach Audra runs a ‘Girls Only Multi-Sport Program’. She asked me to come in and teach her girls some Taekwon-do and talk about my World Championship experience. Of course I was really excited so I accepted the opportunity in a second. There were two 1 hour sessions. The first group of girls were 9, 10, and 11 year olds. I took them through some of the drills I do just to give them a taste of what Taekwon-Do is like. I was a little nervous going into a room full of young girls and not knowing how they would react. These girls were incredible! They were full of energy, enthusiastic, attentive, hard working and willing to go out of their comfort zones. They made it really easy for me 🙂 I also covered goal setting because I think it’s so important for young girls to have goals and dreams. Working towards them is what makes you grow as a person. 🙂
Next there was an older group of teenage girls, some older than me. It was a different atmosphere because things were a bit more laid back but the intensity was high. We were working hard and teasing each other. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while. These girls had awesome dreams. Some wanted to be scientists, accountants, lawyers and one even wanted to open a bakery. I told her I would be the first one in line! It was inspiring to me 🙂 Not many teenagers have a clue what they want to do and these girls had it all figured out. I showed them some of my favorite motivational quotes and next week when I go back, we will go over some of their favorites. I also made up little work book for them to fill out using a formula that I use when I set a goal for myself. Hopefully they will bring their booklets filled out next week and we can all work together to help each other reach our goals.
Last night is an experience I will never forget. I was so happy in that environment. I felt comfortable, confident, proud and passionate about my sport. I was so inspired to see all these girls doing the crazy stuff I was asking from them with a smile on their faces. All I wanted to do was go and share my passion for sport, Taekwon-do, and being the best you can possibly be. I hope to do more things like this because it makes me so happy and I enjoy it more than anyone will ever know. Thank you girls, for taking my ‘I Kick Like a Girl Challenge’.
I already have so many ideas for next Wednesday night 🙂