Catherine Chang's Blog

There's a popular song I used to listen to call "make it happen", that slogan became part of my life as I struggled to make my vision a reality, make my dreams come true.

I've always believed that with a great imagination and the ability to perservere it is possible for anyone to bring their vision into reality. My dreams certainly did come true. I have a wonderful husband who shares the same vision as I do. I am not working for a living but living with my work. I've achieved financial success and also the ability to be at peace when finances are in a down swing. My life is great! So what's next?

After a few years of losing my way I realized that because I wasn't struggling to "do" anything it was driving me crazy. The thought of just waiting for the answer to come rather than searching for it rattled what felt like a cage I was trapped in. This whole concept of "at ease" has taken awhile for me to relax with. As I live with ease my imagination has been able to stir up more ideas and visualize new dreams and direction.
I am enjoying the process instead of barging my way through it. My new song comes from me instead of Miriah Carey, it shines a light on the future one step, at ease, at a time.

Wth Love,

Catherine

Lets start by defining "essence". Essence in the form of a noun is something that emits or diffuses a fragrant odor. It can also mean the most vital part of an idea or experience as well as the central meaning or theme of a speech.

The very center of my vision is assisting people in the process of self-actualization. As I am writing this I am reminded that I to am in that process and to some degree feel as though I am full of .........!

Why? I am in a funky place right now in between failure and success, a place I call the land of confusion. When I am in this place I realize how high my expectations are of myself and others. My lesson this time around is allowing myself to be vulnerable, transparent and human. Because I am a teacher and healer does not make me exempt from the inner and outer struggles of life.

I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and through that tunnel on the other side of the light is a new land, a land unexplored, another blank canvas on which I will paint the next chapter of my life. The essence of this vision is once again focused on self-actualization but from a new level of awareness and a new audience.

How to Get MORE out of Life


Do you accommodate everyone elses schedule before your own? Are you making time for everything in your life? Plead guilty, then it’s time to stop committing personal sabotage!!

In today’s demanding environment it’s hard to keep things in perspective. You can’t avoid daily stresses, but you can manage them effectively and stay in control. Maintaining a healthy balance between you and your work and your family will improve your quality of life as well as your personal and professional relationships.
Give yourself a chance

Living a healthy lifestyle is the beginning to your total mind, body and spiritual happiness. Joy is a byproduct of healthy living. Drink plenty of water, exercise on a regular basis and eat nutritious meals. In addition, schedule regular checkups at the Dentist/Doctor. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and any drugs that could hinder your ability to function at the top.
Write it down

When you write it you can’t fight it. It is in black and white, concrete and ready for the next step. ACTION! Keep it simple. Be clear and honest when evaluating your skills and preferences. Focus your attention on relationships and obligations that are crucial. Organize your home and work priorities in order of importance. You can manage your time more effectively! There are no excuses.
Kick back

If you don’t have a hobby, find one. It can be anything you have fun doing and won’t take to seriously. You might consider breathing and relaxation techniques These exercises have a calming, refreshing effect. When at home take a few minutes to relax, stretch, and breathe deeply. What is your plan for the day?
Think Positive

Your mental and spiritual attitude is just as important as your physical condition. Find productive ways to deal with anger, depression, disappointment and other destructive emotions. Tae Kwon Do will discipline your mind and body relieving the stress that is the root of most of these emotions...Tae Kwon Do is the best way to initiate success in your life and get in great physical condition.
Don’t take things personally, work hard to prevent minor aggravations and petty arguments. Be flexible and practical. Give in to compromise, it builds character. Random calamities do happen; fate doesn’t single you out.
Make time for you

Everyone needs some time alone. Learn to enjoy your own company. Spend time pampering yourself. take a hot bath or a steam. Read a best seller, visit a friend. Take time to celebrate yourself! Oxy breath! Haaaa…

This is my vision for you and me.

With Love,

Catherine

How to defeat the Bully


Your child is forded to deal with various attacks on his self-esteem on a regular basis. Whether these attacks affect him long term or not has to do with many different factors.

One type of attack that I want to address in this report is the common Bully. Bullying has always been a part of growing up, but how a child deals with it and the repercussions of dealing with it have changed dramatically. There are “Zero Tolerance” rules that punish both children if there is an altercation. (which may have been caused by one child bullying the other.) So the old “if they hit you hit ‘em back!” doesn’t fly today. S what is your child to do?

First off we must recognize that incidences of bullying vary in severity. One thing that is certain is that repeated attacks whether verbal, physical, or written (yes, written, there are reports of children bullying through e-mail) erode your child’s fragile self-esteem. Bullying has been linked to isolation, drug use, violence, and suicide. Does your child have to be a victim!

The assault can be verbal or physical, either way the first line of defense remains the same.

What is the first line of self-defense? Self-Confidence! Here’s why. Bullies choose their victims much like a criminal would choose their victim; they go for the easy and obvious target. If your child looks like a kid who will get bullied, guess what, they’re going to get bullied. On the other hand if your child radiates self-confidence they are less likely to be a victim, it’s that simple!

Your child needs to walk with their head up; their shoulders square and make eye contact with people. Just doing these things, even if your child still needs work on self-esteem will keep bullies away from them. This is much easier said than done, but it can be learned. Having your children change their body language (what they are saying non-verbally) will have a huge impact. Teaching this can serve as a quick fix, however, going to work on their self-confidence will have a greater long term affect on keeping bullies away.

Children get their firs layer of self-confidence from parents. The love you show your child and the time you spend with them gives them their feelings of self-worth. In fact it has been said that the number one role of parenting is to develop a self-confident individual.

Teach your children how to speak up clearly when they first meet someone. Teach them the importance of making eye contact when they talk to you. Get them out of their comfort zone and have them explore new things. The more you have them confront fear. Doubt and discomfort the more confident they will become. I get feed back from parents all the time about how great our martial arts program is for developing self-confidence.

Many parents tell me how we reinforce many of the values they are teaching at home. What we’re teaching has more of an impact because it’s coming from another source. Many parents also compliment our martial arts program fro teaching their kids about other values that add to their self-confidence. I guess kids learn by doing, and when they begin to accomplish goals that they didn’t believe they could their self-confidence gets a boost, which then affects every area of life making them less of a target for bullies. Or criminals.

As you can see dealing with a bully has its challenges, there is no one way that works every time. However, when your child develops high levels of self-esteem, and self-confidence a bully’s words or action will role off like water off or a duck’s back. I would love to help your child develop greater levels of self-confidence just like we’ve helped so many local kids over the years. As a child who experienced bullying while growing up I am passionate about helping children build the confidence they need so that they will not "attract" these types of people in their lives. When we empower children we change the future.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Catherine Chang
Master Instructor/CEO
Chang's Taekwondo America
Our Feminine Fire Braveheart Community

Hello everyone! Well it is getting close to Christmas and I wonder why I don't have that little spark of excitement that I once had around the holidays. On one hand it is good that I am not excited, that I have really internalized "every day is Christmas and every night Thanksgiving". I have a neutral attitude toward the day and truly believe that I can honor the true meaning of Christmas on a daily basis. When I wake up each day I am grateful for the Spiritual and political freedom that the birth of Christ brought to the world.
I've had a tough year...a tough two years. There is a place deep inside of me that still reeks havoc on my success. It is a place that the more successful I get the more it nags at me and tries to put out my fire. One thing I've learned over the years is that when I go through a season of feeling "lost" it generally means that I am going to experience new growth and I better embrace the fear or it will get a hold of me. When i did Ellie's Release program we also learned how to "dance" with this demond, takes practice.
With all of the craziness of this year we have managed to open a new location and currently we are re-locating our main location. For thos of you who don't know me I own a Tae Kwon Do Academy and After School Program. This was my fire, this was my life to be a source of prevention to children, to be a source of inspiration to women and men who want to make their passion and purpose thier livlihood. I am so damn hard on myself and miss the little things by being focused on the big things. "think Big" I practiced and now I can continue to dream big while still paying attention to the little successes along the way.
In 2012 by the time I get to Rise and Restore I will be burning up with a new level of passion and purpose. Now ladies we all know this isn't going to happen magically! Simply I will begin to feed myself physically, back to the basics. My fire will combine with your fire to create a blazing inferno of success internally and externally.

Are you to smart?

To smart? To comfortable? The more I study Martial Art the more I realize how important flexibility is. Flexibility of body is to be limber, not tight, easily stretched. A flexible mind is a mind that like the flexible body can receive information, ideas and day to day situations with ease. A flexible mind can easily manage information and situations allowing them to flow like water over the rocks of personal opinions, agendas or old ideas that don’t necessarily work for us any more. A flexible mind understands others differences and celebrates the opportunity to learn new things.

The flexible body is a preceptor to the flexible mind and a flexible mind will reflect a joyous, positive spirit.

We stretch every day in many ways. We may reach upward and outward upon awakening in the morning. My mother use to “stretch” the milk supply we had growing up by adding powdered milk so it lasted longer.

We look for ways to stretch our dollar, to get more for our money. We follow budgets, time schedules and fashion trends. The goal of stretching is to make something longer, to expand. The direction of stretching is outward, never inward. Stretching requires extra effort and a certain amount of discipline and patience. If you stretch something to far it will ultimately break so we must also exercise self-control.

It’s easy to understand stretching in the physical sense but what about the mental or spiritual stretch?

The most popular reasons I hear for not exercising or training in Tae Kwon Do from adults is “no time” “no money” “budget”. If I asked you to come and try a Martial Arts class or a cardio-kick class what is your first thought? Be honest!

Our relationships with people require mental stretching. Can we truly love and respect everyone? The struggles we face with our teenagers, employees, students, husbands or wives. When my Grandmaster would give me an instruction or an order that I didn’t necessarily agree with the chattering would begin in my head. “Try it first!” he would shout. Don’t complain! Try it first! One of the qualities expected of a black belt is the ability to be flexible, to follow direction without question. (Children are also expected to follow this discipline with their parents.) Challenging ourselves mentally keeps us young!


When I earned my first black belt I gained an amazing amount knowledge. My basic training required 3 years of study. There are 3 years in between 1st degree black belt and 3rd, and 4 between 3rd and 4th degree. During that time the physical training continues but the mental training becomes more intense. Instructorship requires an internship that includes intense training in leadership skills, technique and application.

Flexibility has definitely been my greatest challenge. I am a perfectionist. I hesitate trying new things. I tend to be a creature of habit. I feel safe with familiar things but I have many ideas. I don’t mind reaching outward but to go out on a limb then let go! Tae Kwon Do has taken me out on the limb, It has challenged me to reach beyond what I think I can do. Tae Kwon Do has allowed me to make relationships with people. Relationships with people has been the key to learning about flexibility. Reaching outward, stretching beyond my comfort zone and bending and bowing to differences has exercised my mind in flexibility. I don’t know has become more valuable than I know. I am always ready to learn, to try new things and to never fear the unknown. Uncomfortable is a good thing. Yes I can! Yes you can! Yes we can! What is your goal? Bend and stretch, reach for the stars!

“The branches of a tree with many fruits bend humbly ready to share with those who are hungry.”

Master Catherine Chang
Chang’s Taekwondo America
www.changstkdamerica.net
Our Feminine Fire
Braveheartwomen.com/communities

I just finished listening to Ellie's recent core call. First I'd like to thank her for being so honest and sharing herself so freely and sweetly. I remeber when I walked into my first Taekwondo class...I was so nervous and continuously asked myself what the heck am i doing here? It was a calling, a nagging at my heart for 9 months prior to my first class. For that 9 months I sat and watched my 5 year old son practice while i studied my nursing books. Nursing was the "obvious" career for me since I'd been taking care of people or trying to take care of them most of my young life. Something about this Taekwondo attracted me. I thought if we can teach kids, women how to be safe, how to feel safe, how to have confidence no matter what their situation then we can win the health battle. I can help women and children find power even in the most tragic situations. That was the seed of my purpose.
15 years later I opened my own school, re-married and began to get a glimse of my value as a woman. So much healing and work took place before that move. 8 years into opening my school I created a unique after school program so that children and single mothers would receive the benefits of taekwondo even if they could not financially afford it. I became liscensed and able to accept child care vouchers. My husband and i were not only succesful at achieving our mutual dream but financially we were doing very well. I got lost in that success and finally began to lose my "passion and purpose" I began working for money instead of working for my passion and purpose. What a fantastic learning experience it has been and I am grateful that that experience actually lead me to braveheartwomen.com. I love to learn and grow and with each new day i am able to discover more of my worth.
Our feminine fire needs to be tended to on a daily basis. We must nurture, stoke and continuously "remember" who, what and why we are here on this planet. Listen to learn and learn to listen.
I will be teaching on line soon! I have my first student who is from New York. We are piloting my first virtual Taekwondo training. I must always continue to create without fear of failure. Sounds easy? Well it gets easier as you continue to fire walk. This last core call actually inspired my to change my community description. My first description came from a place of financial insecurity. Again we all have gifts and capitalizing on them does not necessarily mean financially....capitilaizing on them means taking what is true, what is authentic and sharing that wealth with others...If you do what you love you will make money, it is an exchange of energy and a partnership with God.
Heat it up!
Catherine

As I watched the relationship between the instructor and the children my interest was peaked. At first I was against my son training in what I thought would promote violence in his life. I then became a student myself in 1991 and today I own and operate Chang’s Tae Kwon Do America in Haverhill, MA. with my husband Master Y.S. Chang.

Our school is a family oriented school that connects individuals and families to the community, increases their quality of life and helps them become closer to each other through a common bond- Tae Kwon Do.

At the beginning of my training I spent many hours studying the Korean culture. I was fortunate to be taught by a traditional Korean Grandmaster who gave me many lessons in manner, etiquette and philosophy. The Korean culture has very strong family values. The family members have specific duties and responsibilities. Everything is very clear and relationships have strong boundaries. Many Koreans over the years were surprised by my dedication and willingness to learn about their culture. I would like to think that they also had learned something from me. To understand Tae Kwon Do one must understand the Korean Culture.

The American Culture is not so strict, we are more open and “loose” with our relationships and the way in which we view life. Americans thrive on choices while Koreans thrive on discipline. We have so much to learn from each other. In the beginning I ate, drank and slept Korean. ( I can speak a little to) People even began to wonder if I were going to change skin color. I would dream about visiting Korea one day and maybe even opening my own school one day.

Eventually my dreams became reality. I did visit Korea. I did open a Tae Kwon Do school and I did marry Korean TKD Master and had a wonderful wedding in Seoul on December 26, 2005. My husband and I maintain a wonderful balance of Korean and American culture. As I have grown in my training I have realized that I am proud to be an American and I am grateful for that freedom. I believe that in order to achieve world Peace we must respect others differences and cultures. I have found that Koreans have a much more difficult time doing this. If we are going to promote peace through our art then we must first be an example. We must be willing to change with the times. When we dig our heals in, we say we know better, we are creating a win/loose relationship. We must transform ourselves, open up to a new way of thinking and create win-win relationships.

Tae Kwon Do promotes great health and fantastic relationships. Our code of ethics, code of conduct and our universal adherence to these principals make us the most popular martial art in the world. We continue to promote Peace throughout the world by practicing the Physical, Mental and Spiritual aspects of our art.

It is not winning that is everything but it is everything to always be giving our best, this is the spirit of the true Tae Kwon Doist.

Our local, state, national and international championships break the boundaries of cultures and countries as we join together in the Spirit of Tae Kwon Do.

No one country owns Tae Kwon Do. It now belongs to the world.

The five tenets of Tae Kwon Do give us a practical way of making good relations with others. May it be an individual, a community or a country; these basic tenets can lead anyone in the right direction. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-restraint and Indomitable Spirit.

There will always be people who will mis-use Tae Kwon Do but there are many more that will continue to fight for what is right.

My husband is Korean and I American. Together we represent Tae Kwon Do in our community. We are examples everyday of what the Tae Kwon Do lifestyle is all about. Because of our cultural differences we are also a small example of how we can live together in Peace with other countries. That we can understand, accept and Respect others’ differences and even learn from them.

Tae Kwon Do has shown me how fear is the foundation of Hate and War. Fear of losing something we have or fear of not getting something we think we deserve.

Tae Kwon Do really puts it very simply-we as human beings complicate it. My dream is that everyone in the world practice Tae Kwon Do, we would all be healthy, happy and successful,we would save billions of dollars each year on military tactics and health care. We would be bringing great minds together with great ideas and the courage, discipline and creativity to put them into action. Through our common bonds we would be one world, striving for Peace and Excellence in all that we do. My past experiences, God and Tae Kwon Do have helped to mold me into who I am today.

Tae Kwon Do helps build strong relationships with the self, the community and the world. Now that we are an Olympic Sport we have an even greater responsibility to uphold the integrity of our Martial Art.

My son is about to graduate from high school. Although he does not practice Tae Kwon Do any longer he received the courage and the confidence to become a top notch wrestler with Olympic dreams. He has learned to channel his aggressions in a different way. (My son has now graduated high school, he is an intermediate EMT, entry level Fire Fighter and MMA Fighter. My son Pete has also had Type 1 diabetes since he was 15 months old. He is a true example of overcoming obstacles)

Whether it is individual, family, community or country my beloved Tae Kwon Do absolutely promotes Peace and Excellence for all humanity.



Master Catherine Chang
Chang’s Tae Kwon Do America
140 S. Main St.
Haverhill, MA 01835
978-556-1616

This article was written in 2007.

I have to be honest. I have been on a "growth" curve and could absolutely use the Release retreat. There have been many role models and mentors in my life but mostly they've been men. I understand on a deep level the need for women mentors, that's why I became one!

Ellie spoke of being number 1 in the failing department. I am on the tail end of a failure wound that I just can't seem to let go of or should I say won't let go of.

Have you ever felt like you wanted to be seen/shine but at the same time would rather disappear? Your confidence is shaken and your enemy "your unloving self", lunges at the opportunity to destroy all that you've created. Joyce Meyers says, "bigger level bigger Devil" I believe that today.

Rise gave me the opportunity to surround myself with women who have the kind of success that I want. Women that are living their dreams, legacy building, creating change. Now, I didn't get that close because I know better today and again I've been slowly emerging our of a dark place in my growth. The "Rise" experience shined a bright light on that darkness and gave me a good "electrical" charge to make the break through.

The very thing that pulled on my heart strings the most was the new, bigger understanding of how men react to women. I learned that on an individual plane but I never really considered on a community, national or worldly level. The relationships between women having a part in men creating wars? Interesting? I absolutely believe it! To see the video of women from the Middle East asking for help, inviting us in was truly inspiring. The idea/vision of bringing the Israeli women and Palestinian women together in Peace is extraordinary indeed.

I am inspired by Ellie's authenticity and was particularly impressed with her "opinion" on non-profits. In my for profit business non-profits can sometimes be my biggest competitors! To think of all the fund raising events I've done! I don't think I've ever heard anyone acknowledge my feelings about the non-profit industry. It's humbling to realize that the very people you're trying to help in service are actually hurting you. The 501C has its place in big business today and it certainly isn't charity!

I look forward to getting to know Braveheart Women better and my goal is to get to a Release retreat in the near future, before Rise 2011. Thank you to Ellie and to all of the brave heart staff for putting on a wonderful event. Although I've not put on an event of that magnitude I do know the work and the money that it takes to put on a quality event and to "try" to make everyone happy.

Keep the force.

Catherine Chang

I can't help but feel optimistic about the upcoming months. I am finally rising up and out of a deep, deep valley and it feels just like that, rising, not climbing. Rising up seems so much easier than the "climb". I've climbed up the ladder and fallen down, climbed a mountain only to see a bigger one to climb on the other side. With each climb I've become stronger, wiser and more efficient, I've grown.

In Tae Kwon Do we "climb" up in the ranks, there is a different form and with it a different philosophy for each level of black belt. I never quite realize the connection until something happens in my life that triggers that aha moment, then, I hear a soft, gentle voice say... "oh yes I am right where I am suppose to be.".

At my level of black belt we begin to think about an open plain and what that openness feels like. The plain is flat, stretching across the land without obstacles. It is an open field so to speak, effortless to walk through. It is a time in training where we "rise" to the top rather than "climb" to the top. Our strength comes from a much more spiritual place rather than a primal place, there is struggle but it's not as dramatic.I feel as though I have let go of control and have learned to trust the process. I am willing to be patient now that I know the consequences of being impatient. I've done many things right in my life along with made many mistakes. The best right that I've done is not quitting, getting up and moving on, brushing myself off and moving on.
Like a weed that grows back stronger after its been pulled, cut, stomped on, flooded, its roots are deep and relentless. There is no struggle in natural growth, struggle is man or "woman" made.

When I look back down into the valley I can honestly say that I created it, I set it up. Whats important is that I have risen to the top with my face toward the sun taking in a breathe of fresh air ready to walk toward my future not run into it.


Catherine Chang

After listening to Ellie and Mariel's conversation today I remembered once again sitting at the kitchen table as a child listening to all the discussions, sometimes very heated discussions about what's wrong with the world. As I mentioned before I am number 9 out of 10 kids. I use to long for just a quiet dinner or maybe a just a little attention or maybe even just being asked, "how was your day Catherine?". I don't remember ever hearing that. What I do remember is books, newspapers and continuous conversations about current and world events. On a positive note my family is very smart, well read and quite creative but I really never saw anybody take any action. My dad was a self employed sign painter, truck letterer. He was excellent at his craft but never really brought it as far as he could have, he had many ideas but not much confidence.
One of the very things I am passionate about in my life is taking action. As Mariel said today, "I can take care of my own back yard" The small things that we accomplish in our own lives add to the huge things we as a family and a community can add to the world. In
I am so very excited to be a part of Braveheart Women and can't wait to meet you in October.
With Love,
Catherine. ...

Dear Bravehearts,

I did it! I registered for Rise with a huge leap of Faith!
I will continue to create my destination and because I do understand the power of deciding I made a decision to register today!

I must tell you that the situation I am facing right now keeps me in Massachusetts. I don't know that I'll be free by October but I will act "as if" it has already happened, that I have been released. I decided that if for some reason I am not free by October I can donate my ticket to someone who is struggling so there is no risk. I will turn it over to my higher power and let go of the results.

Ellie I enjoyed your conversation with Dee and I just Love your authenticity. You know, before listening to the call I received some disappointing news from my Lawyer. I decided on my way home before listening to the call that I was just going to believe, I was just going to have Faith in the fact that I will get through this in Gods time not my own, I have to believe that everything, absolutely everything happens for a purpose, there are no mistakes. I will not allow myself to fall victim to fear and frustration and I will persevere.

Thank you Ellie for your leadership, purpose and passion. I look forward to meeting you.

With Love,

Catherine

" I don't need to fight for something that already belongs to me". Ms Wilson, Ellies guest on Thursday spoke these words only to "remind" me that I am worthy of my dreams and that I am human. There is a strange space inside of me that still aches. It's a nagging pull that insists that I am not loveable. When I am in church, when I am in a "light" moment I have to work at letting the light in. Why? I thought I worked through all of this "stuff" years ago and it is back stronger than before. Joyce Myers says' "new level, new Devil". I am attributing this season in my life to the preparation before I break through to the new level.
It is so inspiring to me to hear these already successful women share their struggles. Ms Wilson's authenticity reeked courage and passion. The absolutes of Change and Love do flow continuously like a river. I see people every day in my profession as a nurse and a Tae Kwon Do Instructor who are stagnant in unmoving water just standing there. I helped so many kick there feet, moving the water, swishing it around until their energy rises and ideas begin to surface. I stood in that same water many years ago and I feel as if I landed in a puddle once again. I, will forgive myself for standing in the water to long. I will create new re-sources by kicking my feet,,continuing to search and pave the way to Rise in October.

Let me know if you will be attending or why you won't be coming.

Catherine:

There comes a time, (if you're fortunate) that while listening to a speaker they tell your story. Gloria, the first interview on Ellie's summer extravaganza calls told my story. It continues to amaze me how women are more alike than different. How many others grew up in homes that created a sense of isolation and loneliness. Coming from a family of 10 children, being number 9 and having to deal with several addicted people I never felt wanted or loved, I wanted to be seen yet I wanted to disappear. Being a "good girl gone bad by the age of 14 I dreamed of becoming an actress someday or a singer but continuously felt lost without direction.

Gloria spoke of singing, really singing from your body and soul and having the opportunity to sing. I remember when I was in elementary school I summoned all the courage I could to audition for the choir. I was a little girl who was afraid to raise my hand to ask permission to go to the bathroom. Long story short, I didn't make it. I seemed to be the square peg that just couldn't fit in the round hole.

Gloria mentioned surviving dangerous situations, not knowing when danger was near. I absolutely identify with this and lived many years putting myself in very dangerous situations. I believe today that there are no coincidences, that we are exactly who and what we are suppose to be and that all of our experiences good and bad are what prepares us for our purpose on Earth.

Being someone who would "land" places as opposed to "arrive" I landed in the martial arts and that my friends that is where I learned how to sing, yes sing! Not fight ladies sing! Sing my song, the song that I was created to sing and it literally began with once again asking if I could sing the National Anthem at a State Championship. It was like that elementary school audition once again only this time my teacher asked me to go out into the training area and begin singing so he could hear me. My teacher was wise enough not to watch as if he already knew how much courage it took for me to ask for this. I began to sing and he came out and began to coach me on breathing, he made suggestions on where to add power and how to gain better control. Through the martial arts I've been able to break through many other barriers and it has paved the way for my current success.

It has been a rough year, I've regressed terribly this year and have hit a wall. I've made braveheart women one of the places I go to get back on my feet and slowly I'm coming back. Gloria really gave me hope as she spoke today and I am so happy that I took the time to listen. I am also grateful that Ellie has offered this to us at no cost, a true gift.


Gloria spoke of an experience looking into the eyes of other women. I think I did the same women's weekend and that particular section of the seminar was very empowering.

Folks, I didn't think I would get this much out of the first call. I really want to make it to the Rise Seminar in October and look into your eyes. I need help to take the next step into the next chapter of my life and I need other women to do it. I believe that I am a braveheart woman so that means I need other braveheart women to inspire me.

Catherine

I am nearing the end of a crisis in my life. After so much success and so many struggles there came a point in my life that I became complacent, another word for lazy. I have been struggling to stay on track and will use this experience to propel me forward. I recently posted a video on the Oprah site for entry as a talk show host, it took me forever, not only to figure out how to configure it for upload, but to believe in myself enough to post it.

After sitting on it a couple of weeks I got an email from Ellie which I'm sure all of you did asking for help with her video that she posted on the Oprah site. It really inspired me to actually post mine and then after several days ask people to watch it.

What have a learned? "What other people think of me is none of my business" said on a braveheart view video, and once again any action is good action, let go of the results and just make a move.

I think Ellie is ready! I on the other hand still have some growing to do. The martial arts has taught me so much and I am passionate about sharing that with others. There is such a misconception! I will hold the vision of someday creating the opportunity to share my experience and the experiences of others with the masses. I will focus today without losing sight of the bigger picture.

With Love and Respect

Catherine

Kids Fest 2010 was a hit! Chang's Tae Kwon Do America thrilled the crowd once again with a fabulous display of Tae Kwon Do. Congratulations to our dedicated demonstration team for a wonderful job. A shout out to our Captain Jake Chery who will be sworn into the Navy Seals on May 4th. We are proud of you and will miss you so much.
Hats off to Instructor Mike Macdonald who is not only our demo team coordinator but Chairman of Kidsfest 2010! Without his hard work this opportunity would not be possible.
Instructor Pam Daigneault MC'd the day while Instructor Susan Gersbach, our After School Program Director welcomed guests to our booth. The after school kids did a fantastic job making beaded key chains to raise money for their field trips this summer and lets not forget about the "Kids For Peace Project". Our mural was proudly displayed for all to see. According to the Director of Kids For Peace it is the best they've seen.
Tae Kwon Do is not only kicking and punching it is a way of thinking and living! Visit our website today pictures of kidsfest 2010 coming soon. www.changstkdamerica.net