Perception is reality...most of the time

Most of the time, I tend to take things at face value. I generally judge the book by its cover so to speak. There is a saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" and I usually agree with that. I am a decent judge of things and people and usually can tell a lot about them within 5 minutes of meeting them.

But I have to admit, this past week has changed my ideas on that. There have been some major changes that have come about, specifically I will be changing jobs soon and my schedule completely. I am moving to a different shift of work and all the things that I do are going to be affected. While I haven't worried about it that much (you gotta do what you gotta do), the effect this news has had on those around me has been quite suprising.

I belong to a martial arts school where I have been teaching, studying and generally kicking ass for 18 years. Prior to that, I had my own school where I taught for 13 years. So, yes, I have known everyone in the school for a long time. And during that time, I have made a lot of friends, taught a lot of students and more than likely, pissed a few people off. Anyway, the other night, I informed my classmates and teacher that I would not be coming to class anymore because I was changing shifts. I expected, knowing all them as well as I do, the usual "ah, that sucks" "we will miss you" " and the obligatory "thank god, its about time you left". That is what I expected because I had always taken them as classmates and students, there to learn and work out and such for themselves. But what expected and what I got weren't even close. Instead, I got offers for them to see that I got on first shift (I think they were kidding..I think), people coming up to me with genuine concern that I would no longer be there to help them, and more than a few offering to find alternate times to work out with me, help me and learn from me. I must admit, it actually made it harder to have to leave than I thought it was going to be. I guess knowing that I had made an impact on so many people showed me that all the bumps and breaks and surgeries were worth it.

To all those at the gym, you will be missed.

A clear case of Perception not being reality......

Part 2....leaving my current job.