Stories change lives. I know this because my life has been changed by stories.
Your story can dramatically change someone’s life too even if you think your story is “no big deal”. Your story can cause people to think different or do something different or even heal with laughter.
DO NOT let fear stop you from sharing your story. There are people who need to hear it.
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TRUE STORY: THE “REAL” KARATE KID
When I was a kid my dad was a United States Marine. We moved a lot being a Military family.
I was always the new kid in school, and therefore, I wasn’t part of the popular crowd.
What was worse is that I lacked confidence back then. So the mean girls at school would say mean things to me, or bump into me in the halls at school. It was humiliating and I would often times go home crying.
I was relentlessly bullied from 4th grade to 9th grade. Kids can sense weakness or insecurity and can be cruel.
However, my life began to dramatically change after I saw the movie The Karate Kid (part 1 & part 2) (1984/1986). When I saw Daniel (actor Ralph Macchio) painfully being bullied (like I was), be mentored and trained to become a karate champion by Mr. Miyagi (actor Pat Morita) and then stand up to those bullies and WIN. That sparked something inside me that made me want to stand up for myself too. That story gave me HOPE and an idea!
That’s when I enrolled in a local karate class and started my own personal transformation of getting stronger physically and mentally.
In just 16 months, I received my black belt. I became a karate champion, winning 12 first & second place trophies in several karate tournaments. I even won the title “Junior Martial Artist of the Year” and began teach other karate students.
(April (me) training in my karate class in 1986)
I went from being the new kid that got bullied to becoming a karate champion and being voted “Most Popular” and “The Nicest”.
I guess you could say that I’m the “REAL Karate Kid”.
In 2015, my Sensei John Simeone unveiled the new Armed Forces Karate Association uniform patch in my honor. I am so humbled and grateful!
How did I do it? The other kids didn’t change? I had changed on the inside. I exuded more confidence and strength. This caused them to be kinder.
When we change on the inside that’s when our external world changes. You have the power to stand up to anything getting in the way of your best life!
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The “Karate Kid” story had a positive impact on my life.
Your story could change someone’s life too.
Share your story below in the comments (100 words or less)
Then share this message with someone you think will be inspired by it. We want to read all these amazing stories!
I will be reading and responding to all stories.
When I was 10, my mother divorced my father. He was an abusive alcoholic. A new man came into my life, a Washington DC politician. At age 15, my mother and her boy friend took me out of school and left me all alone in Mexico City. I didn’t speak Spanish. It almost killed me!! When I got back to the states, I was a wiser teenager and married an amazing man at age 18.(We are still married and I am a grandmother) With love, support and faith, I not only survived but learned how to thrive. My worst experience was my most important teacher. I wouldn’t change a thing. I wrote, “Street Safe Kids” as a result and worked with the homeless for 4 and a half years. The 10 steps in the book have helped many children, adults, abused and homeless people learn how to discover their awesome inner power and potential. Anyone can do it!
Stephanie, First of all thank you for having the courage to share your inspiring story here! I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you to be a teen on the streets in Mexico City. You transformed your “Suffering” into “Joy” through helping others with your book and your work with the homeless. That is a miracle! You are a beacon of hope and a source of strength for many. And I’m so glad to hear that you are happy. Thank you again! Much love, April
Hi Louann, Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story of overcoming a fear/agoraphobia. You are brave. Your story helps us all have hope that we CAN breakthrough our fears and change our situation through taking “baby steps”. One step at at a time and with God’s support is how to reach your destination. I’m so happy for you! Much love, April
Hey It’s April. Be sure to Scroll Down and read all the Amazing Stories below! Then share your story.
This story will make you laugh! I promise!
My True Story: “Spray Tan Gone Wrong!!” (video)
Click to watch now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imIbr94uQVQ
Much Love, April Yvette (www.aprilyvette.com)
I first learned how to crochet in 8th grade and back then I only knew how to make simple scarves with fringes. I had no idea that all of this creative energy was inside me just bursting to come out.
It was after the sudden loss of my brother, Tony, a few years ago when I discovered my creative skills through my grief. Loss creates a void and oftentimes it can be fulfilled through some form of creative expression. I let my loss and my passion determine my career direction as designer and owner of Pasché.
As a creative visionary, I design crochet fashion from my imagination without the use of sketches or patterns. Many times the creative process for me takes place while I’m in the midst of my crocheting.
My mission is to be an example to others about how grief can take you through a journey of finding your true passion if you allow it to happen.
Anita, thanks for sharing your story. You are an inspiration for finding a way to process your grief through creativity. I wish you much success. – April