When to relax and when to push yourself?

If you're anything like me, you don't know where this line is. I have went to karate with sprained ankles, pulled groin muscles, knee wraps, knee braces, ankle braces, sick, bronchitis, I've even had a few asthma attacks and continued my lesson barely able to breathe. I've only missed classes for deaths, David's doctor appointments and a few times when he was sick.

Where does the line end? When do you stop pushing yourself?

Here are my thoughts on when to stop, do as I say, not as I do........

1. Physical ailments: All of the above, I probably should have left and went home. Any time you are physically hurt, you need to rest the injured limb or your sick body.

2. Family ailments: Children or spouse/significant other are sick or hurt. My family comes first and will always. I have missed more than a few for deaths, sickness and a week or so when my husband broke his heel bone in 20 different places.

3.Religious beliefs: Be sure your activities stay in line with your religious beliefs. Meaning, if you can't work on Sunday, don't work on Sunday because it's fun or needed. If you really needed it, your God will provide it.

4. Other appointments: Don't blow off an appointment because you would rather be doing something else. Keep the appointment and be punctual. Gives you character and integrity.

When to push yourself?

1. And my biggest rule: Push yourself ONLY when it benefits you physically and mentally. This will impact your character.

2. When you are having fun and in tip top shape. No injuries, no sickness and everything is in order with your family and God.

I'm still having problems with drawing the line. I've been sent home more than a few times because I was injured. He drew the line for me, so sometimes you need an outsider to tell you when to stop. I have a cold right now. I'm dizzy from the sinus drainage. I have worked it out where I can belt test before of class and go home when class starts. This is my "drawing the line" Outside of class I will be more relaxed, inside of class I will be more tense. My body needs the relaxation so that's what I asked for.

My thoughts: Pushing yourself is a great thing to do. But not at the cost of injuries, sickness, and family ailments.