February: The Power of the Shortest Month, the Law of Timing, and the Reality of Clouds, Dirt, and Parenthood
As we step into February, its brevity serves as a powerful reminder that time is precious. With just 28 days, February invites us to be mindful, intentional, and deeply present in how we move through life. This condensed timeframe doesn’t demand rushed action but rather meaningful action—the kind that aligns with our values, strengthens our relationships, and moves us toward growth in a way that truly matters.
Reflecting on January—a month where I focused on laying foundations and setting intentions—I recognize that February is not just about execution but about thoughtful movement. It’s a month to engage with life fully, to be present in both the beauty and the mess, and to act with purpose.
But here’s the thing: Purposeful action isn’t always neat.
And nothing in life reinforces that truth more than parenting, grandparenting, leading a community of martial artists and families who are navigating the same struggles, and remembering who we are first.
Martial Artist First. Teacher Second. “Professional” Third.
In my last article, I emphasized a guiding principle that keeps me centered:
🔹 I am a martial artist first.
🔹 I am a teacher second.
🔹 I am a professional third.
This self-identity hierarchy applies not just to my role in martial arts but to everything I do—including parenting, grandparenting, and leading.
Martial Artist First: Living with Awareness and Adaptability
Being a martial artist first means that my life is shaped by learning, awareness, and the ability to adjust to the present moment.
- It means embracing challenges, stepping into the mess, and flowing with what is, rather than resisting it.
- It means understanding that failure is part of growth—and that every experience, even the difficult ones, has something to teach.
- It means showing up fully in the present moment, because that’s where life happens.
In parenting and grandparenting, it’s the same.
- We don’t always have control.
- We don’t always get it right.
- We don’t always feel like we’re making progress.
But like martial artists, we breathe, we adjust, and we stay present.
Teacher Second: Leading Through Presence, Not Just Words
Being a teacher second means that my ability to lead others is only as strong as my ability to stay grounded in my own practice.
- If I expect my students to move through struggles with grace, I need to do the same.
- If I expect parents in our community to create meaningful moments with their kids, I need to do the same.
- If I want my grandson to learn patience, resilience, and mindfulness, he has to see it in me.
Teaching isn’t just about instruction—it’s about modeling a way of being.
Professional Third: Impact Comes from Authenticity, Not Titles
Being a professional third means that the title—whether it’s teacher, coach, speaker, program director, or mentor—only matters if it’s backed by something real.
Too often, people chase titles, status, or recognition, thinking that external validation equals impact. It doesn’t.
Impact comes from how we show up.
- I am a martial artist first because I live what I teach.
- I am a teacher second because I lead by example.
- I am a professional third because the work I do is a reflection of who I am, not just what I say.
Parenting: The Ultimate Test of Presence in the Mess
A few days ago, my house was a battlefield of sickness.
- I was sick.
- My daughter was sick.
- My grandson was sick.
- There were coughs, fevers, vomiting, exhaustion—all at the same time.
It wasn’t neat. It wasn’t efficient. It wasn’t controlled. It was messy, exhausting, and nonstop.
And yet, we showed up for each other.
That’s what real life looks like. Parenting and grandparenting don’t give you a break just because you’re sick, tired, or overwhelmed. You still show up. You still care. You still find small, meaningful moments inside the chaos.
And here’s the part that really hits home: Many of our students, and their families, are going through the exact same thing.
- Parents juggling work while dealing with a sick child at home.
- Kids pushing through school, training, and commitments while navigating their own challenges.
- Families walking through the doors of our martial arts school exhausted, just trying to keep things together.
They’re in the dirt.
The Law of Timing: Why February is the Ultimate Month for Meaningful Action
John Maxwell’s 19th Irrefutable Law—The Law of Timing—teaches that success isn’t just about action, but about acting with wisdom and presence.
Maxwell breaks it down into four possibilities:
- The Wrong Action at the Wrong Time → Brings Disaster.
- The Right Action at the Wrong Time → Brings Resistance.
- The Wrong Action at the Right Time → Brings Mistakes.
- The Right Action at the Right Time → Brings Success.
This is why February is so powerful.
- It encourages thoughtful action.
- It reminds us to be fully present.
- It challenges us to be both mindful and engaged.
Living Strong: The Clouds, The Dirt, and The Shortest Month
In martial arts, we learn that power isn’t just about strength—it’s about timing, adaptability, and presence. The best fighters aren’t just strong—they’re aware, fluid, and deeply engaged in the moment.
February, with its brevity, teaches us this same lesson:
- It’s not about how much time we have—it’s about how we choose to use it.
- It’s not about forcing progress—it’s about taking meaningful steps forward.
- It’s not about rushing through life—it’s about showing up for what truly matters.
Parenting, grandparenting, training, leading—none of it is predictable. None of it is perfect. But all of it is an opportunity to be present, to connect, and to grow.
This month, we don’t have the luxury of saying, “I’ll be more present later.”
Later is now.
Time to lead, parent, train, teach, and act—not just with urgency, but with mindfulness and meaning.
Time to embrace both the clouds and the dirt.
Time to be a martial artist first, a teacher second, and a professional third.
Time to Live Strong.
