I thought this might be light hearted and funny. I wrote it before this year's test. If you are testing for your first degree, you might not understand some of these until after you finish.

“Everything I Need to Know about Life,

 I learned from My First Degree Black Belt Test”

By Melissa Harris

I have learned to take joy in the things that I have accomplished and not to feel bad about what still needs to be done.

I know that being kicked by Jeremy Smith is a necessary experience required for me to learn how to be more tolerant to pain.

I know that my daughter thinks that my German shepherd and I are the only ones that can protect our family. Sorry honey.

I know that my husband will no longer wrestle with me because I can take him.

I know that I may not be the fastest, but I will always finish.

I know that running more than 3 miles a day won’t kill me and that doing so makes my butt look fantastic.

I know how silly it is to have a bad attitude because of being required to memorize Charles Swindoll’s “Attitude” poem. The man knows what he is talking about.

I have learned that hiking 6 miles up the side of a mountain and back down isn’t crazy, it’s “conditioning”.

I know that miracles are real. I am a runner.

I have learned that it is possible to break a consistent pattern of low self-esteem by gaining confidence from surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.

I know that Brandy Hamilton is way better than Jillian Michaels.

I know that running cleanses the soul and quiets the mind.

I know that my collection of swords is intimidating to some.

I have learned that Jessica Leitner was right when she said that you only test for your black belt once and that the experience cannot be duplicated. She also said that even if she does a push up in the shower that it counts for numbers.

I know that Devon Phillips really can just let it go.

I know that my life really began at 30.

 I have learned that it is possible to have good Danny days and bad Danny days.

And best of all, I have learned that I can’t do anything without God by my side every step of the way. I like to think that he prefers Nike Free Runners too.