I remember beginning aikido as a white belt almost 12 years ago at age 44. I remember the hours of instruction, training, and camaraderie to become a black belt. I remember, and am constantly reminded, about humility and shoshin (beginner's mind). To always stay open as a white belt and keep polishing the subtleties of the technique and training is the art. It is a never-ending process.

I remember coming. Coming implies going.
I am now faced with going. Going implies returning.
I look forward to returning. Returning implies coming again.

Change is the one and only constant.
Enter and blend with change because resistance is futile.

"Domo arigato gozaimashita sensei, sempai, tohai, and kohai."

He bows, hiding a tear, and walks out of the dojo.

(We are relocating from Orange County, California to Marietta, Georgia this summer to be closer to our grandchildren.)

Thanks for listening, for the opportunity to be of services, and for sharing this journey. Now get back to training. KWATZ!