Wax On, Wax Off: Small Movements, Lasting Change
Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live.
This weekend, I am thinking about a scene from The Karate Kid – when Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel to wax his car with simple motions: wax on, wax off.
At first, Daniel feels frustrated. He doesn’t see how these small, repetitive movements could ever help him defend himself or become skilled in martial arts. Yet later, he realizes each small motion built muscle memory, reflexes, and confidence for what was to come.
Neuroplasticity and Wax On, Wax Off
In my own brain injury recovery journey, I’ve experienced this truth deeply. Neuroplasticity is built through small, repeated, intentional movements over time.
✅ Each mirrored movement
✅ Each focused breath
✅ Each act of kindness toward yourself
…is rewiring your brain and strengthening your life from the inside out.
Reflection for This Weekend
💡 Ask yourself:
“What small ‘wax on, wax off’ practice can I commit to today to build hope, healing, and strength for tomorrow?”
Remember, your greatest victories often grow from the smallest consistent steps.
🙏 You are a miracle in motion. Keep going.
Craig
Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Second Chance to Live
https://secondchancetolive.org
Leave a Reply