Welcome to Shoshin, my journal of lessons from this journey we call "life".

Perspective

Misogi

The concept of tackling a single, transformative challenge once a year. A challenge so hard that it impacts the rest of your life; redefining who you are.

credit: Jesse Itzler

Story

Six days ago, I ran my first half marathon.

A feat that if you were to tell me one year ago, would’ve said never.

I wasn’t a runner. In fact, I hated running.

I registered on a whim, stemming from a deep desire to prove something to myself.

Race day came; of course, it had to rain.

Started off by meeting people, however I had to leave them to run my own race.

The first few miles were quite nice, keeping an 8 minute pace.

The rain kept getting in my ear, eliminating any chance of music.

At mile 6.31, I started getting painful cramps in places I've never had.

I started rethinking life, not even being halfway finished. I wanted to quit. My mind started comparing how easy gym sessions were compared to this, making my past struggles pale in comparison.

I then reminded myself that this would be the point that I would grow as a person, redefine myself, and the story that I would one day tell.

When I finished, a sense of accomplishment surrounded me, like I had just upgraded my character in a game.

I literally just leveled up. The journey became beautiful at the end, being all rewarding. This not only redefined how I viewed myself, but created a new uplifting habit. Running.

This was a mini Misogi for me, stay tuned.

Ascend

What's your Misogi?

What’s the one challenge that scares you, excites you, and has the potential to transform who you are?

Do it.

Remember, its who you become on the journey.