“The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.”

                                                                                               - Anonymous

Being a martial arts instructor has been one of my life’s greatest gift.  Not only has it shaped nearly every aspect of who I am, but it has also allowed me to connect with, teach and learn from an incredible array of human beings.   These countless people would serve not only as my teachers, students, training partners and fellow competitors; but most importantly they would become my friends and extended family.  These relationships have not only supported me throughout my life, but they have done something just as important; they have given me purpose.

While many of the students I have taught, I have may not been in touch with for several years, when I do have the blessing of reconnecting with them; the result is almost always the same.  Despite the years and distance that may have separat...

“True happiness……is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

                                                                                                                   - Helen Keller

I love movies.  This is particularly love films that provide a glimpse of the magnificence within us as human beings to follow our dreams, despite the challenges face.  I would guess it is that way for most of us, as the motion pictures we find most enjoyable are those that depict the story’s heroes committed to a clear purpose and vision and how they overcome challenges, despite what appear to be insurmountable odds, to realize their dreams.

I believe we are all inspired by these types of films because we truly understand that true happiness does not come from ease and grace in situations to experience our “dream lives” (although that is what most of us are striving for), but rather that fulfillment that comes from us being on purpose and moving thr...