Today I woke up late, went to get my hair done and then spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with extended family celebrating round 2 of Christmas.

Now while I didn’t do any training or prep for my move, I did a lot of thinking. This morning, while sitting in my stylist’s chair, I finally had the chance to read the copy of my training log that Alan had been keeping and gave me as one of my Christmas presents. I was so impressed by the detail of the log and moved by Alan’s boxing/life observations. Reading it also caused a couple of uncontrollable cackle bursts; I’m pretty sure the other clients at Madison’s Spa weren’t that impressed when I shattered the tranquil spa atmosphere.

In a way, Alan has been like my “real-life” Deepak Chopra; a much edgier and, I’m guessing, a much funnier version of Mr. Chopra, but nonetheless, someone from whom I have learnt a tremendous amount.

Here are a few of Alan’s observations from my training log that really resonated with me and caused a lot of the thinking that went down today:

“she thinks too much and is much too hard on herself in a year she can be angry until then chillax and plod away for the longest journey begins with the smallest of steps”

“(she) must move like a meth addict and throw punches continuously that is a good defence a crazy offence”

“she’s letting me smack her around and not complaining darn she could be a boxer”

“(she’s) looking good still less thinking more punching/moving like a boxer needs to keep right elbow down when throwing she blames her boob I blame her switching to orthodox”

So after a full day of these words working the mats of my brain, here are the boxing / life lessons that I will (as Alan would say) add to my armour:

Think less; move more.

Take the first step, even if it’s a small one.

Don’t complain; don’t blame.

In life, be assertive. In the ring, being aggressive can be your best protection.