Life’s journey often leads us through unexpected twists and turns, and for me, the path took an unforeseen detour into the challenging realms of mental health struggles and abandonment issues. Faced with the daunting task of navigating my emotional landscape, I discovered an unlikely ally in the world of boxing.
Discovering the Unlikely Ally
Embarking on the journey of boxing has proven to be a multifaceted and enriching experience. Beyond the physical transformations, the mental fortitude gained, self-defense skills acquired, stress relief experienced, and the sense of community formed have all played integral roles in shaping this journey. Boxing is not merely a sport; it is a holistic endeavor that has become an indelible part of my lifestyle, contributing to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.
The physicality of boxing served as a therapeutic medium, allowing me to externalize and process internal struggles faced as a child and in past and present relationships. Each punch thrown and every defensive maneuver enacted became a symbolic act of self-defense against the hidden emotional battles within. The rhythmic nature of training sessions provided a meditative space where I was taken to a place of exclusivity within my head blocking every physical distraction which allowed my spiritual energy to takeover, offering moments of clarity and introspection amid the intensity of the sport. This was a challenging and uncomfortable experience for me at first because it was not something men would make a conscious effort to do.
Reclaiming Self in the Ring
Abandonment issues, stemming from past experiences, added an additional layer to my emotional landscape. The act of stepping into the boxing ring symbolized a reclaiming of self. I found a tangible way to confront the sense of abandonment. Boxing offered a means to rewrite the narrative of my resilience, transforming pain into power. Every day I would push my body to match the way I felt emotionally and mentally, and it sometimes got ugly, from working out for hours to taking physical punches that would place black and blues around my body. I wore these as reminders of where I was and how I felt through everything. I did not want to be that person again, and I saw myself differently, things had to change, and I learned to love myself and find my happiness and not focus on all the noise around me.
A new me
I discovered individuals who understood the nuances of personal struggle. Shared vulnerability became the cornerstone of lasting connections, fostering a sense of belonging that had eluded me during times of abandonment. The collective pursuit of growth and self-improvement cultivated an environment where I could rebuild my fractured self-esteem. I love this sport and I don’t think I will stop any time soon. One of my best decisions to this date was the act of confronting my emotions with boxing. Top of Form
I am in a BETTER place.
Joseph Ogiste
Joseph Ogiste, born in Trinidad and Tobago, currently resides in New York. A dedicated IT service engineer, he channels his free time into the discipline of boxing. With a relentless pursuit of self-improvement, Joseph is always striving to evolve into the best version of himself.
I love Boxing. During a phase of my life, I picked up boxing and it helped me so much mentally. Being exhausted and still having to stay sharp and responsive (not reactive) is something I still use to this day.
Omg! I am so soooo proud of you! To see where you were and where you at now! Putting it into these words brought a different perspective of what you were going through and I am happy you found that outlet to become your better self!
Great work bro. Good to know you found a positive outlet to de-stress.
Appreciate the honesty in this post. As men, we know how difficult it is to show our vulnerabilities 🙏🏽
Love to see it, and great share. Actually been planning on getting into some martial arts and/or kickboxing to keep the mind and body sharp.
Both great outlets to keep body and mind sharp!
Glad you found something that allowed you to identify and channel those emotions and experiences into improving yourself.
Keep the focus broskie