Shifting Gears

I put it on,
Adrenaline rushing.
Uniform loose and white,
I was a cloud ready to pour.
Tied my white belt,
Twice around, over, under, pull.
Prepared.

"Class, introduce yourself to our newest student, Katie."
Seven-year-olds exchanged names and glances.
Small blonde boy in the corner,
Tall, thin girls in front.
Their curous eyes peeked at me.
My curious eyes stared back.

My first day.
Red head gear,
Arm, leg, foot pads.
Chest protector wrapped around me,
Comforting.
Kicking, punching.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Belts got darker,
Blue, brown, black.
Time transitioned seamlessly.
Spring, summer, tournament.
Fall, winter, training.
Sometimes reluctantly.
I competed.
Won.
Lost.
Learned.

No longer shy, reserved.
Confident.
New friends,
New lifestyle.
More time spent at practice than at home.
Missing old passtimes,
But relieved.
I found something I loved,
I was good at.
Each practice made me better,
Physically,
Mentally.
High off the feeling of strength.

Not just a game,
Not just a sport.
It changed me.
Taekwondo became my life.