So I realized yesterday I haven't spoke to either of my sisters in a while, and one in particular I haven't called in weeks. That's kind of unusual for us not to talk every 1-2 weeks. So the black belt cycle came up in conversation. She tells me "Yeah, I can always tell when you are on the cycle because I don't hear from you until it's over". Ouch. I didn't realize that was a pattern, so I need to do better and be more mindful about calling. The cycle can be very time consuming, and part of the challenge is definitely having that work/life balance with this. Not an easy thing to do when it feels like you are constantly in class, practicing, teaching, learning, sleep deprived, and constantly covered in sweat.