London is Kicking my A** and I love it
I completed my first boxing class today, and it was everything I needed. There was community, exercises that kicked my butt, I felt challenged but accepted and I was actually able to navigate the bus lines to find my way there!
For those of you who grew up without ANY sort of public transport in your hometown: when looking at a map app to figure out where your bus line goes, check both sides of the street before standing at what is obviously (a) not a bus stop, but just a random corner or (b) not the correct direction for your bus. Turns out, Google Maps is not very precise on where they put you vs the stop you need to find. Also turns out, finding the correct bus does not come naturally to this particular American.
Regardless, I found my way to my boxing class. I signed up for two main reasons - community and self-defense. In order to get these things out of the class, I had to employ two skills - confidence and shamelessness. Doesn’t come easily to me, these two traits, at least not in front of complete strangers. But, by God, I found the courage within me today! I introduced myself to people, I missed no opportunity to face someone and ask questions and I did not care that I have the athletic ability of a goldfish. No exaggeration - I had to look around for a lot of guidance when the instructor was calling out exercise positions.
After I got my ass kicked in class (loved it), a few people headed out to brunch. Seven of us set out for coffee and vittles and, suddenly, London didn’t seem so scary to wander through. It was my favorite restaurant so far - Bluebell, an Italian cafe and bar. We spent a bit asking about each other’s stories and reminiscing over our coaches' inspiring and giggle-inducing speeches from the morning. It was just so friggin nice. I got to talk to people, experience newness with some of them, and feel a bit of a connection. Damn it felt good.
This is why I came here: to meet people and see the parts of London that tourists would only accidentally stumble upon in some odd string of glorious events. I want to connect with people here WHILE I explore, so I can share the newness. I want to be independent but not lonely. Hard line to tow, I know. And there will be some days where I don’t feel the confidence and shamelessness to be vulnerable and allow connections to form. There will be days that the people I try to connect with won’t want to. I have to get used to that, recognize it and be gentle with myself when this is the outcome.
For today, I’m just gonna revel in the fact that I hit a punching bag and it didn’t hit me back.
Talk soon. Cheers.
e