Boot Camp memories

Last Saturday marked the 8th year since my dad passed away. I don't need any special days to remember my dad and influential he was on my growth. But this Saturday while at boot camp there were few things that were said by sifu Brinker during the meditation session that made my memories stronger. I felt more connected to my origins, more connected to my dad. I realized that even though he is physically not with us, he is with me in spirit. This was a sad day for me but I couldn't have asked to spend the day with a better group of people trying to do better and be better. Thanks everyone!!!

Happy Moment

As an instructor, it hurts to see students leave Kung Fu. I feel like we have let them down by not inspiring them and showing them the benefits of Kung Fu.

This week there was a moment of happiness. A student who has left few months ago came back. I'm not sure what all the reasons are but it made me very happy. I'm pretty sure that the commitment and the role model of the student's mom was a crucial part in it.

A Great Gift

This weekend was a special one. I was able to intentionally enjoy what I like to do.

Camping with my family in a remote campground away from other campers (only one more group in the campground). Hiking in nature without seeing anyone and almost no garbage. Kayaking, fishing, campfire, playing with my kids, playing with my dogs.

There was a moment that I was petting my dog and I was thinking - I shouldn't just enjoy, I should intentionally enjoy it. So I made sure that whatever I do th

is weekend was to the fullest. I think it was one of the best camping trips we had (and we had good ones in the past...).

This is not new for all of us - living in the moment, doing things intentionally. Again and again, life proves that this is true.

When we got home, after unloading the trailer, the kids gave me my Father's Day gifts. I am truly blessed and I am so happy I spent the whole weekend with them.

Weekend is time to relax?!

It never ends, there is no rest. Do this, do that. Work, kids, house.

Weekends used to be time to relax, time to do no work. But now it is time to do everything we did not have time to do during the week. There is so much that I can't even get to my "big projects" list. Scared even to think about it.

This past weekend was no different than others but I knew I needed a change so I made plans to run with Kobe in Chickakoo and then after we spent sometime fishing and reading. Not for long because we had to get back to the hassle, but it was a great time to recharge. I need to intentionally make time for this.

Make the most out of it

Struglinh with time management and fitting it all in and then something happens and changes everything. One of our I Ho Chuan member, a black belt at SRKF, who was in great physical shape, was diagnosed with a desease that could be fatal. It is beyond belief how one can be active and then once day to become so ill and to be in the hospital.

This made me thinking about my grandfather who died at the age of 40 when my dad was only 7. I can't even imagine how something like that can happen to me.

My Kung Fu journey is being emphasised by the way I want to live my life. Being healthier, being there for my family, being there for friends.

It is easy to get into the routine of regular life, but a week like this last week needs to put everything into perspective. I want to push harder in order to have better life for myself, for my family, for my friends and for my community.

Happy Birthday

There are a lot of thing I need. Many items I want to buy. Many places I want to go to and many goals I want to achieve. 

Today, for one day, I've put all of it aside. Today there was only one thing I wanted to do. Unfortunately I was no able to do it. I didn't even try as I knew it is "not going to happen". 

Today was my mom's 80th birthday and I really wanted to spend the day with her. 6,000 miles and a couple of thousands dollars prevented me from doing it. Prevented me from even thinking it is possible. 

Happy birthday ima. I love you from a far land and in my heart I'm always with you. 

I am an Eagle

When asked "if you could be a different animal...", I always choose an eagle. The ability to fly up in the sky and see everything always aspires me.

Sometimes, I am an eagle and I'm looking at everything that is happening to me and that is happening to the people around me. I see the opportunities I missed and the ones I've taken. I can see the priorities people are setting and the consequences of their choices. I see how people change their paths and how their lives and the life of the people around them change.

I see how people with the same goal might approach their goal differently. For example, reaching the top of a mountain as goal, I can see who is climbing the mountain just to ski all the way down. I can see who is climbing the mountain and then choose a different mountain once one is conquered. I can see who is climbing the mountain because they see the value in climbing. I can see who is taking the chairlift up the mountain.

Looking back at myself - reflection of what my priorities are? Where do I want to be? How do I want to get there? Who do I want to be with me on this journey? What will heritage be?
I'm trying to disconnect from the daily life, fly high and look deeply into where I am. Be true to myself. Have enough courage to do the right move.