It’s seems we have reached a bit of a dilemma, haven’t we? Do as we are told, or follow our passions and pursue the thing that excites us? In my personal experience, I often find that when somebody tells me I can’t do something, or rather, I’m not allowed to do something, it awakens a drive within me like no other. My mum often tells the story of when I was three years old and as she recalls, atrociously stubborn. It was a snowy Monday in the middle of January; the first day back at school after the winter holiday. It was also, might I add, negative 15 outside (this detail will be of importance later on in the story..l promise). My lovely mother was dressing me for pre-school and she had selected a pair of corduroy pants and a zip-up sweater, the practical choice, as it was, the middle of the winter. Unbenounced to her, I had already selected my own outfit. A pink dress with sequins. An adorable choice undoubtedly, yet, it was, as aforementioned… negative 15degrees outside. My mum said that she fought me tooth and nail, or rather, sequins and frills, to wear the “damn” pants but I just wouldn’t budge. I wanted to wear my dress and I wasn’t taking no for an answer. So I did. I don’t know if it was my mum’s desire to just get me out of the house and off of her hands, or whether she admired my determination and figured it should in the least, be rewarded.
If this long tangent of a story has taught you anything, I hope it’s that wearing dresses in the middle of winter is always a good idea. I hope it has also sparked some ideas for how to creatively sway your parents to allow you do that thing you love, or to try that activity that excites you. Sometimes, respectfully and persistently demonstrating how much you want something to those guardian figures around you, is all you need to do to get them on your side of the court, or rather, in your corner of the ring. So don’t approach the situation telling your parents that they are wrong and that boxing is a great sport for women, instead, show them that you are the kind of hard-working, persistent woman that was made to box.
A gentle reminder to be prepared, both physically and emotionally to hear a no. Another reminder to DO your research, find gender inclusive boxing classes near you, offer to pay for them with your own money, offer to do extra chores around the house for some pocket change, explain to your parents that boxing is both a safe sport and an amazing sport for women to participate in. And baby, you better back it up. Might I suggest a powerpoint or a tiktok showcasing your evidence - that was always my go-to (KO.studios.co ’s blog forum is also a great resource… wink wink nudge nudge). Educate yourself first on the sport and the women that reign at it’s forefront.
Even after all of this effort I will warn you to be ready to hear an initial no. In fact, be prepared for multiple no’s. Keep fighting. Because it is true what they say, that anything worth fighting for never comes easily. Truly, it will make it that much sweeter when you are able to get into that ring, put those hand-wraps on or punch that speed-bag- knowing that you have fought to be there.
So, I wish you good luck in your persuasion. And after all that, if they still say no… just wear the damn dress anyway.
