This lovely blog is about my experiences of first joining belegarth. As of now, I have been in it for under a month and I have had nothing but positive experiences so far. In another organization that derives on its values and sisterhood for life eventually being followed by people excluding me, being very judgmental towards me, and even deleting me off of facebook, I have seen the exact opposite in this wonderful place!
After my fair share of negative experiences in organizations and having plenty of people treat me poorly, it was time for me to start over and make some new friends. With a lot of my poetry stemming from anti conformism, anti-bullying, and having a skewed definition of family, I wanted to find “my place” where I feel like a normal person, can be myself, can meet new people, and most importantly, have fun. A dear friend of mine who knows my entire story invited me to go to “Medieval Combat Club” (belegarth) at school one a couple times during my senior year, but I was always way too busy with running a club, my classes, getting a job, and trying to graduate. As soon as I graduated from college and started working, I knew things were going to be tough…
Moving back home with my parents after graduating is one of the most painful experiences for me; if you read my poetry, you can probably tell. Not only is living with my parents a pain, but I began realizing I don’t have the greatest friends. By that, I mean I want to hang out with people who are going to be successful in the future, have direction in their lives, and make me feel like I’m someone meaningful to them. There’s a distinct difference between “having a rough time in your life” versus “never going anywhere in life”. I always love getting involved in organizations and wanted to find a group to call “home” and feel a sense of belonging. After having a long talk with this same friend, he invited me to go to another belegarth practice and make necessary accommodations for me to be able to go out of the kindness of his heart. Without hesitation, I decided to give it a shot. I figured this would be my gateway to what I’ve been looking for. Also, he always spoke very highly of everyone and the organization itself, mentioning that the people are extremely genuine and how much his unit brothers mean to him, even considering them his family. After going to my first practice, I knew my life was about to change! I had the type of experience where I was looking forward to coming back, talking highly about it constantly to my friends, and always smiling when I mention it to people!
I’m so used to being the person who’s in a leadership role or that person willing to step up and help others, and now I’m the “new kid in town”. Everyone that I met is beyond wonderful to me and words can’t describe how much I appreciate it. All of the realms are very friendly and open to newcomers (and even have loaner equipment). They make sure you understand the rules, want you to become a better fighter, and everyone has fun the entire time. The entire sport is on the honor system, meaning that you have to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and be an honorable fighter. When I reached out to the realm leaders asking for more information and where the practices are located, they kindly responded and welcomed me with open arms. They even went above and beyond to make sure I find the location of the practice, answer my numerous questions, and are always willing to help me.
Not only are these people wonderful on the field, but they are off the field as well. I can have intelligent conversations with every person I’ve talked to. They all have ambition in their lives. They are all very polite, warm, and friendly, as well as they know how to have fun. Even when I screwed up and should have taken a different train in the morning (stupid Metra and their awful train times for the line I take), they made sure I was able to find a way back to my car (which was parked about 30 minutes away where the public transportation didn’t go to that area). The thing is that I barely knew these people and they STILL did that. That truly makes a statement!
For those of you who think the people in Medieval Combat Club (belegarth) are weird and “too nerdy”, think again. Who cares if people think they are LARPing (live action role playing, which belegarth don’t really do), wearing “funny costumes”, and running around whacking each other with sticks. If you actually take the time to try it, it’s really fun. It’s not for everyone and it is a combat sport. At the same time, this group is one where the “don’t judge a book by its cover” motto comes into play. People have no right to judge people for being themselves and having fun. They don’t deserve the “weird looks” or whispers that I heard on the quad at school.
Belegarth is a wonderful organization and I encourage anyone to join! When you step inside something new and outside your comfort zone instead of being judgmental and narrow minded, you will get the respect you deserve. Being a newbie isn’t a big deal because everyone is out there to help you. I am very thankful to have been introduced to belegarth and I had a very positive experience at my first event! If you have no idea what belegarth even is, be sure to check out www.belegarth.com!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Target
The more I write, the more I realize that one of my central themes is anti conformity towards society. This is something I stand by every day and refuse to ever "fit in". Unfortunately, that comes with a rather large price to pay. Those who are willing to pay the price will reap a large reward filled with wisdom and pride. It stinks that a certain type of person becomes the subject to be bullied. The survivors who keep fighting will end up very successful, full of wisdom, and see how beautiful life truly is. With that, here is another spoken word poem:
How much can one go through
Before they reach their self-demise?
To stay alive
Torn like ripped tights
Fearful of any sort of wall
Jumps at a screaming siren
Praying for no further hurt
The attacks firing rapidly
In all directions, they're barraged towards the target
With obvious knowing and sighting in mind
The target understands the gravity as to what they represent in society
While living in a world of pain
But how does the target channel these emotions?
Depression haunts the chosen few with the neon sign over their heads
Some are lucky to escape
The vast majority suffer through it in life
Triumph through the evil comes learning how to be a survivor
These are the ones who have stories of wisdom to share
Signs of life's bumpy roads
Showcasing that they won the battle
That makes me wonder…
Why am I a target and what did I do to deserve the PAIN?
Why do I have to SUFFER?
Why do I have to ENDURE?
Many of life's questions simplified into short sentences of why
True understanding of the situation is difficult to attain
Targeted individuals are ones who tend to challenge society
The norms are only a set of guidelines followed while embarking on an epic adventure
Who would want to conform anyways?
Apparently… everyone… almost…
Usually how it goes is that those who don't fit in
Are the ones who become the target
But why would someone go against the tides?
Even in a place you're supposed to be surrounded by your rocks
In a realm that should be flowing with love
Family be there for the entire show encasing love around you…
Instead, they toss tomatoes upon the stage in the midst of condescending chuckles
Inflicting ridicule instead of spreading warmth…
Giving the target a major price to pay
The ultimate question lies within…
Why pierce a bullseye with a needle instead of plastic?
Who would want to see the target fly?
When would someone's tattered heart soar into the sky?
Because targets tackle the mystical breeze on their own autopilot
Seeking success on the road less traveled to spread unlimited beauty and kindness
Magnetizing a following covered in fresh papered greens to indulge in life's joys!
For more inspiration, personal expressions, wisdom, and poetry, like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebsMcduxler
How much can one go through
Before they reach their self-demise?
To stay alive
Torn like ripped tights
Fearful of any sort of wall
Jumps at a screaming siren
Praying for no further hurt
The attacks firing rapidly
In all directions, they're barraged towards the target
With obvious knowing and sighting in mind
The target understands the gravity as to what they represent in society
While living in a world of pain
But how does the target channel these emotions?
Depression haunts the chosen few with the neon sign over their heads
Some are lucky to escape
The vast majority suffer through it in life
Triumph through the evil comes learning how to be a survivor
These are the ones who have stories of wisdom to share
Signs of life's bumpy roads
Showcasing that they won the battle
That makes me wonder…
Why am I a target and what did I do to deserve the PAIN?
Why do I have to SUFFER?
Why do I have to ENDURE?
Many of life's questions simplified into short sentences of why
True understanding of the situation is difficult to attain
Targeted individuals are ones who tend to challenge society
The norms are only a set of guidelines followed while embarking on an epic adventure
Who would want to conform anyways?
Apparently… everyone… almost…
Usually how it goes is that those who don't fit in
Are the ones who become the target
But why would someone go against the tides?
Even in a place you're supposed to be surrounded by your rocks
In a realm that should be flowing with love
Family be there for the entire show encasing love around you…
Instead, they toss tomatoes upon the stage in the midst of condescending chuckles
Inflicting ridicule instead of spreading warmth…
Giving the target a major price to pay
The ultimate question lies within…
Why pierce a bullseye with a needle instead of plastic?
Who would want to see the target fly?
When would someone's tattered heart soar into the sky?
Because targets tackle the mystical breeze on their own autopilot
Seeking success on the road less traveled to spread unlimited beauty and kindness
Magnetizing a following covered in fresh papered greens to indulge in life's joys!
For more inspiration, personal expressions, wisdom, and poetry, like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebsMcduxler
Weightloss Journey: The Road to the Finish Line
I was going to make a super long, extensive introduction about my weight issue, but I didn't think it would be necessary for getting my main point across. Long story short, I am overweight, admit to it, and want/need to lose about 50-60 pounds. In my quest to inspire others, I need to first inspire myself and this, prove a major point to the rest of the world of who I really am. That way, I can make my mark on the world while looking a lot healthier and better on the outside!
If you desire for a back story, I was never overweight until college, but as soon as my high school sports slowly ceased, my diet slowly began falling down the drain with that. After my junior year of high school post-karate, I started gaining weight. With buffet style food in the college dining centers and freedom comes a lack of control. When I ended up in a lousy apartment situation my junior and senior year, I did whatever I can to "get by" and get through that situation, got busier in school, looking for a job, running a club, etc. With that came a loss of focus on diet and exercise, resulting into becoming overweight.
Weight loss is never an easy thing to do. I also had 2 unsuccessful attempts at Weight Watchers. It's a wonderful program, but I didn't fully commit to it either time. The only way to achieve success is to give 100% every time! Not every goal can be accomplished by overanalyzing the big picture, but by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. Not everything comes right away, but with time, patience, and effort. The pain you suffer through now will result in a larger and gratifying quantity of success later.
You can say "you're going to do it" 500x or more, but words don't mean a thing until you implement them. I know I'm guilty of that. Those of you who say you're going to do it later, get up and do it now. Time is precious and life is short. Live it to the fullest by being healthy now and don't waste anymore time thinking and dreaming about something.
Those of you who want to embark on this journey with me, feel free to follow me on here or like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebsMcduxler. World, we are in this together. Who's with me at taking a stand now? Keep a positive attitude and your heart open. With that, you will open the gate to a bright future! Updates will be posted frequently!
If you desire for a back story, I was never overweight until college, but as soon as my high school sports slowly ceased, my diet slowly began falling down the drain with that. After my junior year of high school post-karate, I started gaining weight. With buffet style food in the college dining centers and freedom comes a lack of control. When I ended up in a lousy apartment situation my junior and senior year, I did whatever I can to "get by" and get through that situation, got busier in school, looking for a job, running a club, etc. With that came a loss of focus on diet and exercise, resulting into becoming overweight.
Weight loss is never an easy thing to do. I also had 2 unsuccessful attempts at Weight Watchers. It's a wonderful program, but I didn't fully commit to it either time. The only way to achieve success is to give 100% every time! Not every goal can be accomplished by overanalyzing the big picture, but by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. Not everything comes right away, but with time, patience, and effort. The pain you suffer through now will result in a larger and gratifying quantity of success later.
You can say "you're going to do it" 500x or more, but words don't mean a thing until you implement them. I know I'm guilty of that. Those of you who say you're going to do it later, get up and do it now. Time is precious and life is short. Live it to the fullest by being healthy now and don't waste anymore time thinking and dreaming about something.
Those of you who want to embark on this journey with me, feel free to follow me on here or like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebsMcduxler. World, we are in this together. Who's with me at taking a stand now? Keep a positive attitude and your heart open. With that, you will open the gate to a bright future! Updates will be posted frequently!
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