Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, testing the limits of our endurance, patience, and spirit. Over the past several months, I’ve been on a journey unlike any other, one that has reshaped how I understand strength, healing, and the true meaning of living strong. Today, I want to share a deeper look into that journey, where it’s taken me, and where I’m heading as I prepare to return to the martial arts mats on January 1st, 2025.
The Journey So Far: Climbing the Mountain
A little over a month ago, I underwent my first hip surgery. It was a moment I had anticipated for years, knowing that the pain I had pushed through day after day could no longer be ignored. The surgery marked the start of a chapter filled with humbling lessons, and the recovery process has been a mountain climb in every sense of the word.
Physical pain has been one part of the struggle, but the greater battle has been mental and emotional. The climb has involved navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the raw reality of my limitations. As someone who has always thrived on physical expression through martial arts, dance, and teaching, being forced to slow down and embrace vulnerability has been both brutal and enlightening. Yet, with every setback, I’ve found an opportunity to learn and grow.
One thing that has struck me repeatedly is how much we take simple movements for granted — the ability to walk, bend, and train freely. Losing that freedom, even temporarily, strips away any illusions of invincibility. It forces you to face your fragility. But, in that fragility, there is also strength. It’s the strength that comes from surrendering to the process, from accepting that the mountain you’re climbing isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about spiritual evolution.
Reflecting in the Cave: The Wisdom of Stillness
Imagine a mountain top with a cave carved into its side. In my mind, this is the sacred space where one goes to sit in stillness, to search for wisdom within. This metaphor has guided me throughout my recovery. The climb to that mountain top is the struggle, the grit, and the perseverance needed to overcome adversity. But once you reach that quiet cave, the noise falls away. It’s here that you face the truest version of yourself, free from the chaos and distractions of the outside world.
In the stillness, I have confronted my deepest truths. I’ve realized that much of my strength, as I had previously understood it, came from the ability to push through, to fight. But sitting in that metaphorical cave, I discovered that there’s another kind of strength: the strength to be still, to reflect, to listen to what my spirit needs to heal and grow. The strength to understand that living strong isn’t just about physical prowess but about spiritual wisdom and emotional resilience.
Preparing for the Return: Quieting the Noise
Now, as I prepare for my second hip surgery and look toward returning to martial arts, I’m more aware than ever of the importance of quieting the noise. For me, this means intentionally minimizing the distractions that can cloud my mind and heart, especially the constant chatter from social platforms. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it can also become overwhelming. The pressure to stay connected, to always have something to share, and to remain visible can drain our energy from the things that matter most.
Over the next couple of months, I’ll be stepping back from those platforms. My goal is to be present in the moment, to use this time to focus inwardly and prepare for the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead. But I’m not disconnecting entirely. I’ll still be here on my podcast, Living Strong Adventures, and I’ll be sharing my deeper thoughts, reflections, and insights right here on my website. This space will become a sanctuary for the lessons I’m learning, a place where I can share the wisdom that comes only through living life, through the good and the bad, the triumphs and the trials.
Returning as an Evolved, Empowered Warrior
The Peter Liciaga who returns to the mats on January 1st, 2025, won’t be the same person who left them. I’ll be older, yes, but I’ll also be wiser and more grounded. My warrior spirit will have evolved, shaped by pain, reflection, and the deep understanding that strength is more than what the body can do; it’s also the courage to transform, to grow, and to pass on what I’ve learned to the next generation.
This return isn’t about a comeback; it’s about evolution. It’s about stepping back onto the mats as a teacher who has not only taught others but has also been taught by life itself. I’ll be ready to pass on what I call earned life lessons. These are the lessons you don’t just read about in books or hear in seminars; these are the lessons forged in the fire of real, lived experiences.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that pain, whether physical or emotional, can be a trigger for growth if we choose to embrace it. It can become the catalyst for a deeper understanding of who we are and what we’re capable of. Living strong is about facing pain, acknowledging it, and then using it as fuel to become better, stronger, and more compassionate.
Looking Forward: An Invitation to Join the Journey
As I continue this adventure, I want to invite you to walk with me, to share in the moments that make up this life we’re all trying to live strong. Check back here on PeterLiciaga.com for more updates, reflections, and stories from the journey. My hope is that by sharing what I’m going through, you’ll find pieces that resonate with your own path. We all face mountains to climb and caves to sit in. We all have noise that needs quieting and wisdom that needs embracing.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Your support, your encouragement, and your presence remind me that living strong is not just a solo mission; it’s a community effort. Together, we rise. Together, we thrive. And together, we keep living strong.
In strength and gratitude, Peter Liciaga
