THE FIGHTER

"You must have complete determination. The worst opponent you can come across is one

 whose aim has become an obsession. For instance, if a man has decided that he is going to bite off

 your nose no matter what happens to him in the process, the chances are he will succeed in doing it.

 He may be severely beaten up, too, but that will not stop him from carrying out his objective. 

That is the real fighter." - Bruce Lee

A few weeks ago I was actually MIA from the world recovering from a recent surgery to remove a cyst. I would have never known about it if not for the escalated abnormal back-pain, so for those who don't feel 100%, listen to your body and go get things checked out. Sadly I doubt you'll listen because I too am very much guilty of brushing things aside; I've brushed aside my constant back pain for more than 5 years now until I finally gave in and got it checked out. I am blessed that after this surgery I am actually healthier than before (with just a few scars as reminders), but not every ignorant person is so lucky, so I re-emphasise: listen to your body.

 

In the lead-up to my surgery, I was consumed with exams and then post-exam catch-ups so I had no time to digest the fact that I was going to be cut open. Friends and family didn't know the unease and fear that consumed me the night before, lying in bed wide awake, because one of my flaws is the inability to show vulnerability. It's a constant front I put up to remain strong, I mean I even took a smiling snapchat half an hour before my surgery that persuaded myself that I was fine. However fear aside, this experience reminded me about certain things I took for granted in life and I want to use this opportunity to remind you guys the same. 

It was and still is a sensitive matter for me, but the truth is the first time I found out about the cyst I thought it meant I couldn't have children as that was the original speculation. And I was utterly devastated because all my life I took for granted that one day I would have children of my own. Gutted was an understatement. Details were later explained to me and though it didn't turn out as detrimental as we had thought, the truth was still if I discovered my cyst any later and continued doing strenuous activities, it may have very likely affected my fertility. I took my health for granted and I am blessed beyond words that I am now 100% healthy. 

Saying is, you never know you're taking something for granted until it is gone, even temporarily. You hear it all the time but you still take certain things for granted because the fact is, you don't know you are taking it for granted. Take having a blocked nose during a dead cold winter night for example. You can't sleep because you can't breathe, and breathing through your mouth is just too damn difficult. Moments like these remind you just how bloody great it is to be able to breathe through your nose. 

This is the same for me when I was boxing with my brother and he hooked me in the ear, perforating my eardrum. For two weeks everything I heard was muffled, like I was swimming under water. Only then did I come to appreciate the blessing of normal hearing. And I guess this is the human condition where the only way to escape this is to reflect on your life every now and then and thank the world for what you have to keep yourself grounded. But even then there is too much to reflect on. So maybe all we can do is accept the fact that humans are naturally 'underappreciative' creatures. There's no fighting it. 

Meanwhile, one thing I will certainly be fighting for is getting my health back on top of its game. In the past two years I have had one physical goal, to get abs. Four months of inactivity because of the lead up to my surgery has left me wanting to explode, my energy unable to be transferred anywhere, and my 'almost abs' leaving me. Well now I'm going to do whatever it takes to get it back, complete and utter determination. I don't understand how people can put up with the feeling of being so physically weak, I guess I'm just power hungry (knowing I am capable of knocking someone out is sadistically satisfying). 4 months worth of energy built up is now going to explode, #getfitordietrying hashtags are going to make a comeback on my Instagram (when I return from New Zealand that is). There shall be a part 2 of this, where I will share with you all my fitness secrets, and a chance to update you guys on my progress. Keep an eye out!   

 

"Strength does not come from physical capacity,

 it comes from an indomitable will." - Bruce Lee

Nike Blue Sports Crop Singlet / ACTIVE Blue Sport Shorts / 

Nike Women Free Run+ 2 Shoes (Black) / Punish 16oz Official Pro Boxing Glove