Taekwondo is giving me my life back.
Hi my name is *Linda. I am a pink belt recipient of the pink belt initiative.
I feel very grateful.
All my life I have struggled with PTSD due to very early on trauma and abuse. I was afraid of my own shadow and was living with a lot of panic and dissociation symptoms.
Especially after suffering from domestic violence in relationships.
I was stuck in a sad cycle of fear panic and abuse. I had lost nearly all of my strength and courage and was a shell of a person.
It was very sad.
A year or two ago I met my instructor Carly after building up some courage to do something to help my issues.
I was so glad I did.
I felt instant rapport with her and felt like I had made a good decision.
Unfortunately though I could not afford the lessons I needed to pay for Carly. I had only recently left an abusive relationship that took nearly everything from me.
Carly saw me for nearly no payment as she really wanted to help. I really wanted the help but was struggling financially.
Soon we heard of the Pink Belt initiative and I applied.
I got it and was so happy.
Since working more closely with Carly and more often I am much more confident and feeling more safe in my body.
I am gaining more courage and the will to fight back and not quit.
I’m learning skills to protect myself and not feel like a victim.
I am learning techniques for my breath as I’m also asthmatic.
I am learning to manage my response of being in flight mode and internally running.
Instead I am more grounded and more centred and feeling like I can own my own space and position.
Learning all these new techniques are life changing for me.
I am growing so much.
Especially in confidence.
I am so grateful for everyone involved in this pink belt initiative.
*Name changed to protect identity.