What's in a name?

"So what's with the name of your blog?"

Well, I'm glad you asked, Hypothetical Reader.

Let's start with "Leen Forward". In addition to getting excited about a whole new year of unrequited resolutions, this is the year in which I hope to make some very promising changes with my life (said everyone, ever). I have to admit, as thrilling and mind-blowing as 2013 was for me, it was also kind of stagnant. I may have traveled a bit around the world, but I also very much stayed in the same place. Here's to hoping 2014 is different. Here's to hoping in 2014, I make my mark, I speak my mind, I take risks and make mistakes, and I don't back down. That's the most important part. 

You learn quickly in kickboxing, while holding a punching bag for your partner, that if you don't lean forward to absorb a punch or kick, you will shake, you will stagger, and you may even get knocked over. But, by leaning forward, you empower your body, you withstand the blow, and you live to fight another day. You plant your feet in the ground, you tense your muscles, and you don't back down. Not only in my weekly kickboxing classes, but in every day, I hope to find that same balance, stability, and power.

While finding your footing, you also have to make sure you're taking care of yourself, and sometimes that includes saying no to other people. I am absolutely horrendous at that. I'm one of those people who can be juggling 10 things at once, and someone will throw another flaming torch in, and I'll be sweating like crazy, but still manage to keep the fire in the air for everyone else's amusement and joy. If that's not the definition of unhealthy, I don't know what is. I recently read an article on Huffington Post (Hello 2014: 21 Ways to Live a Resilience Life) featuring a quote I need to use more of: "That doesn't work for me". It's not a "no" per se, but it's a start. It's a way to set boundaries, to know your limits and project them on to others, and to maintain your firm footing and center of gravity. In short, it's a way of earning respect and not letting people walk all over you. I have to admit, I haven't tried uttering those five words yet, but I'm excited to give them a test run.

Finally, before you think I can't spell, one of my (many) nicknames is "Leen", hence the play on letters in the name.

Word of advice - kick boxing class is a much more efficient use of time than jail.