Feeling very lucky to be at the #NZSL awards evening, marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of the New Zealand Sign Language Act recognizing NZSL as an official language. Amazing tributes to community members and leaders, and performances including Ko Taku Reo students and Ryley Yates. Thank you to @deafaotearoa for bringing this celebration to Te Papa.
I still vividly remember the night in 2012, when my life was going secretly off the rails, when I screwed up the courage to walk up the stairs to @bjjnz at take what turned out to be the second best leap of faith in my life (you’re the first @friendreuben 💕). Tonight I went back for the first time in six years. Still the same old photo! And a new changing room mural. And changing room lollies!! But most importantly the same Sensei Geoff, the same brilliant teaching style, the same sense of community on the mat. And then unexpectedly staying after beginners (meant to be my toe-back-in-the-water) for full immersion with @tunedaz and @whitbezus . Whose teaching now is just next level. Thanks SO MUCH for having me back you lovely people - this is the best I’ve felt in months (tomorrow will be another story …)