Live, Empower & Love - Stephie B

Today, I earned my Second-Degree Black Belt.

As I got closer to this moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything I’ve overcome since 2018 — the year I earned my first degree. I am not the same woman I was then. I’ve achieved things I once only dreamed of, and I’ve survived challenges I never anticipated… challenges I didn’t know I had the strength to get through until life demanded it of me.

People often believe karate defines how tough you are or what you’re capable of. And it does — but not in the way most imagine. Karate is a parallel to life. With each belt, you grow in mind, body, and spirit. It’s a never-ending journey that shapes your path to greatness.

This is more than a belt.
This is my life.

When I look at it, I see every obstacle I’ve fought through, every moment I refused to give up, every piece of myself I rebuilt stronger. My belt is a symbol of my perseverance, my resilience, and my vision.

Being a black belt is not about how many people you can hurt. It’s about how deeply you try, how fiercely you fight with your heart, and how fully you pour your effort into everything you do — not just in the dojo, but in every corner of your life. Giving 150% is not an act; it’s a mindset.

Trying is the most courageous thing you will ever do.
If you never try, you will never get anything.

So pull up those suspenders, stiffen your upper lip, and go after what you want. Don’t let anything stand in your way. Envision your goal. Become it. And one day, I promise you — you will attain it.

Nothing of value ever comes easy.
The easier it comes, the easier it can be taken away.

The heart of a warrior lives far beyond the dojo walls.
It lives within you, in everything you do.

Be your best self.
Go after what you want.
Don’t be afraid to try.
And love yourself enough to believe in you.

Happy Sunday beautiful people!

This summer has been one of transition, transformation, realization and change. I have achieved goals that I worked towards for years. Nothing ever comes easy. There were a lot of obstacles that I overcame to get here but, I did it. I am by no means obstacle free. I realized that, there will always be an obstacle to overcome if you choose advancement over complacency. I am still getting accustomed to the new but am slowly settling in. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life. This has been a great summer so far with one week left to go! Let’s go out with a bang!!

Summer Sunday’s with the fam ♥️

☀️

Every time I put on my gi, I am reminded of what I have overcome to get to this point, not only in my training, but in my life. There is always a moment of reflection as I am tying my belt and getting ready for class.

I am reminded of my first day of training, where I started and where I am now.

Everything I have, I earned through hard work. Nothing came easy. The appreciation I feel every day is something that I can’t put into words.

Martial arts pushes you to become a better version of yourself, both inside and outside of the dojo. It makes you a better person. It ignites a fire within to go after what you want and reinforces the fact that if you want true results, there are no short cuts.

The dojo is one of the best things that ever happened to me. No matter what stands in your way, know within yourself that you will conquer it. ♥️

Happy Sunday beautiful people!! 🌼

Yours Truly,
Stephie B ~ Live, Empower & Love ♥️♥️

My bestie and I enjoying this beautiful day ♥️♥️ Love my princessa so much ♥️

💞👩‍❤️‍👩💗

Manuscript complete. I have had the honour of helping my uncle complete his memoir. Today, as he turns 90, it is officially complete. He will be given his gift tomorrow at his birthday dinner with his beautiful family.

The project is near completion but not quite finished. The last step is to transform the manuscript into a book which will be done over the next month and a half.

I cannot WAIT until this book is complete. Such a special project, such an honour and such a gift to have your family history to read. Stay tuned for the finished product!