Thing have been quiet…relatively. Foremost on our plates we’ve had the Coronavirus pandemic, followed by the subsequent economic pause and burgeoning unemployment crisis. This pandemic has also seen some secondary things increase including alcohol consumption, domestic violence, and a general uneasiness of what the future holds. Everyone has been wound a bit tight lately and it seems patience has been almost as invisible as the PPE and testing supplies early in the pandemic.

There’s been no gym, JiuJitsu, or traveling to speak of, because we can’t. Although our lock-down hasn’t been as restrictive as ones in other countries (Ireland, Spain or UK), everything has been closed for the last two months here. Gym’s, hair salons and non-essential businesses like small stores (but not Walmart or Home Depot) have been shuttered, schools have moved to online learning, and restaurants are restricted to takeaway only. The trek to the grocery store/market or home improvement store are the only “adventures du jour”. If you factor in limits on store capacity, the lines to get in, mask requirements, limits on food and toilet paper purchases, it hasn’t been what most of us would call a “fun adventure”.

Aside from pining for travel, for the gym, or for JiuJitsu, I’ve done a bit of everything while on “pause”. I’ve definitely partook in some extra drinking, spent time bitching about the arbitrary nature of the lock-down, gotten frustrated with our Governors self-serving briefings, signed up for summer classes, and finished up home improvement projects. This time has also allowed my body to heal from the years of beatings during training. I haven’t been in pain or taken Ibuprofen in weeks. I suppose another thing which we could have done rather then complaining about the situation or watching the news is taking stock of ourselves.

One of the things I like about JiuJitsu is how you can maximize an opportunity or correct an erroneous movement through repetition and timing. It could be simple as executing that pass just a bit faster thanks to improved timing. Or it could be faster recognition of a position as a result of repetitive drilling. Lock-down might have provided an opportunity to ask ourselves if we are doing the best we can to improve as a person. And if we are, can we keep repeating that process? Will our actions today set up the “next move” for success in life or whatever endeavor we are engaging in? If we need to modify our actions for self improvement, how and what can we do to reach the next level as a person?

Other times in JiuJitsu an opportunity happens to come along and you just stumble right into it. Maybe its when you’re setting up a technique and your opponent is so focused on that particular technique, they neglect something else in their defensive strategy and give up an easy position or sub. It may not be the technique you intended to use, but it’s an opportunity for you to grab and take advantage of. Are there opportunities that we can try to take advantage of while in “lock-down”? Maybe polish the resume, take that online class, work on a project around the house, or spend some time with your family?

It can be rare when an opportunity comes along, and even more rare that the opportunity is a perfect fit. The old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, might never be more appropriate then now.

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