Vive la boxedor! Boxing is a great teacher of discipline, respect, and hard work and self-control. It is proven that sport involvement results in positive self-esteem, good health, and camaradarie for life. As an adult, I am thankful for my healthy, athletic childhood as it makes my adult years richer. I can enjoy activities and look and feel great. And now I share this gift whenever I can. A few years ago my partner introduced me to Aprons For Gloves, a program created by Vancouver's East Side Boxing Gym. And, as someone who survived the rough streets of Vancouver, I was excited to be a part of a program that helps at-risk youth. What started out as a charitable veture has turned into one of the most satisfying and gratifying elements of my life. I have made lifetime connections, helped build a tight-knit service industry 'family', and most of all, I learned that absolutely ANYTHING is possible. After a bad accident in 2008 that left me with a brain injury and PTSD, I was given a laundry list of activities that I shouldn't and couldn't do anymore. This list had items as mundane as climbing a ladder and riding a bike. The fear of one more concussion was enough to practially write off any activity requiring more than so much of a handshake or blink. And, I believed them for a time...Until I was introduced to gloves. Fall 2011. It is a warm, humid day in Puerto Vallarta and on my hands are sparring mitts. On the other end, my very cheeky, intimidating boyfriend; eyes flashing from behind his fists. He prepares his jab. That first SNAP on the pad shakes me and at this moment, I realize just how cerebral my life had been up to now. The fear vibrates though my body. He places me in jabbing position and lets me have at it. It takes a while to silence the critics in my head. How could they possibly know how to box when I don't? All of the critisism and authority in my head that had been controlling me my entire life is finally in a fight with me and my true self. Boxing created an environment for me to finally begin the healing process. For the first time in years, I can hear myself, and better yet, trust myself. The taste of confidence is on my lips. My partner is a seasoned coach. He has seen this before...at the gym. Ever since that moment in the sun I knew what it was going to take for me to find happiness and build a good life. I could no longer ignore the inbalance life serves us. My soul has always been committed to this world and all who share Earth as home. Every action has purpose. Even small community efforts will change the world. Now is a time to roll up our sleeves and work toward bringing society back to a place of sustainability, both for our planet and future generations.
For more information, click here or visit www.apronsforgloves.com.
©2015 Allie Pehleman, Artist. All rights reserved.
1 Comment
4/22/2015 02:08:11 pm
I have made lifetime connections, helped build a tight-knit service industry 'family', and most of all, I learned that absolutely ANYTHING is possible.
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