As I reflect on this past week, I’m reminded once again of the power of resilience, training, family, and community. Whether it was stepping up my martial arts and Black Belt test preparation, leading vital self-defense workshops, connecting with local business leaders, or simply enjoying a beautiful moment with my family, this week has been all about growth, gratitude, and connection.
But more than anything, I want to take a moment to express deep gratitude to the people who continue to support, inspire, and challenge me to be better.
A Beautiful Friday with Family at Four Green Cats Cafe
This past Friday, March 14th, I had the absolute joy of spending time with my daughter Alex and my grandson, Seraph. It was one of those perfect, sunny days where everything just felt right.
We went to Four Green Cats Cafe to grab some coffee and, of course, enjoy Ms. Nadia’s famous Tiramisu treat. (If you haven’t tried it yet—you need to!)
Seraph absolutely loved meeting new people and being outside. We sat at a table right in front of the cafe and Creek Mercantile, soaking in the beautiful day and just enjoying each other’s company. It was one of those precious moments that I will cherish forever.
There’s something truly special about slowing down, sharing coffee with family, and just appreciating the simple joys of life.
💙 A huge thank you to Ms. Nadia for always welcoming us with kindness and serving up the best coffee and treats around!
If you haven’t been to Four Green Cats Cafe, I highly recommend you stop by for great coffee, amazing treats, and a warm community atmosphere. Check them out here:
👉 https://www.fourgreencats.com/
Training and Personal Development
This week was packed with martial arts training, teaching, and preparation for upcoming challenges.
✅ Karate & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training – Pushing forward with my return to the mat journey, sharpening my skills, and strengthening my foundation.
✅ 3-Mile Run Training – Continuing my hip conditioning program as I prepare to complete my 3-mile run in November for my Black Belt test in American Kenpo at Action Karate. Each run, each step, each training session is a testament to commitment and perseverance.
✅ 90-Day Personal Living Strong Project – Staying consistent with my structured plan for recovery, resilience, and personal growth, which is helping me push past my perceived limits.
📖 Read more:
Training for a 3-Mile Run: A Journey of Resilience and Preparation
The 90-Day Personal Living Strong Project: My Journey Through Recovery, Resilience, and Growth
Teaching & Community Engagement
One of the greatest privileges I have is being able to give back to my community through self-defense and martial arts training.
💥 Women’s Self-Defense Workshop with Master Magill – This week, our Action Karate school hosted an empowering Women’s Self-Defense Workshop, led by Master Magill. Seeing so many women step onto the mat, learn real-life skills, and build confidence in their ability to protect themselves was truly inspiring. 💪
🔪 Knife Defense Seminar – Teaching the Essentials of Survival – I had the honor of teaching a knife defense seminar, focusing on:
- Understanding threat vs. attack
- Distance management and weapon control
- Fast decision-making under pressure
- Practical drills to train real-life responses
These are the real-world skills that I believe everyone should have. Seeing the focus, determination, and awareness in the participants was incredible.
Supporting Local Businesses & Community Growth
This past Wednesday, I had an incredible meeting with the Rancocas Woods Business Association, where we shared amazing ideas on how we can empower local businesses on Creek Road to continue serving our community.
A huge thank you to my fellow board members for your dedication and commitment to making our town stronger! Your passion and vision for local business growth are truly inspiring.
And I couldn’t be more excited for our first Crafts & Antique Show this Saturday, March 22nd! 🎉
🛍️ If you’re in the area, come out and support local artisans, vendors, and small businesses. Details here:
👉 Rancocas Woods Crafts & Antique Show
Let’s continue working together to uplift, promote, and strengthen our local business community! 💙
A Special Thank You to Our Community
None of this would be possible without the support, energy, and dedication of the people in our town.
🙌 To all the students, parents, and instructors who showed up, trained hard, and committed to learning—you inspire me every day.
🙌 To Master Magill, Master Laramie, and Master Dannefelser—for their guidance, leadership, and passion in serving others through martial arts.
🙌 To Take 5 Cafe—for supplying great coffee for our Rancocas Woods Business Association meeting and for always supporting community gatherings. Visit them here:
👉 https://take5cafenj.com/
🙌 To Four Green Cats Cafe—for being a welcoming space for connection, conversation, and, of course, the best Tiramisu treat from Ms. Nadia! Learn more about them here:
👉 https://www.fourgreencats.com/
🙌 To Creek Mercantile—for hosting our business association meeting and for being a true supporter of local businesses. Check them out here:
👉 https://www.creekmercantile.com/
📢 If you’re in the area, I encourage you to visit and support these amazing local businesses!
Final Thoughts: The Journey Forward
This past week has been one of growth, challenge, and community.
✅ I strengthened my mind by reflecting on resilience and emotional mastery.
✅ I strengthened my body by pushing forward in my martial arts and running training.
✅ I strengthened my spirit by committing to my 90-day Living Strong Project.
✅ I strengthened my community by teaching, collaborating, and supporting local businesses.
✅ I strengthened my heart by sharing a beautiful day with my family.
And through it all, I’m reminded of one simple truth: We get better, we get stronger, and we move forward—one step, one lesson, one training session at a time.
💬 What was your biggest win this week? Drop it in the comments! Let’s keep lifting each other up and Living Strong!
#LivingStrong #TakeAction #MartialArts #SelfDefense #CommunityMatters #SupportLocal #Gratitude #NeverTooLate
