As I sit down to reflect on the past week, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the community that continues to inspire me. This week has been a testament to the power of resilience, continuous improvement, and the bonds we share.
Reflections on This Week’s Articles
Writing has always been a medium through which I process experiences and share insights. This week, my articles spanned various themes that resonate deeply with my journey:
1. Embracing Change: The Path to Personal Growth (March 3, 2025)
Change is the only constant in life, and embracing it is crucial for personal development. In this article, I discussed how accepting and adapting to change can lead to new opportunities and growth. Whether it’s a shift in our personal lives or professional endeavors, viewing change as a catalyst rather than a hindrance empowers us to evolve and thrive.
Read more: Embracing Change: The Path to Personal Growth
2. Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from Martial Arts (March 4, 2025)
Martial arts have always been a profound teacher of resilience and perseverance. This piece delved into how the challenges faced on the mat mirror those in life. The discipline, focus, and determination cultivated through martial arts training equip us to tackle obstacles head-on, turning adversity into strength.
Read more: Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from Martial Arts
3. The 1% Rule: Transforming Lives Through Incremental Progress (March 5, 2025)
In a world that often seeks instant results, this article highlighted the power of making small, consistent improvements. The 1% Rule emphasizes that minor daily enhancements accumulate over time, leading to significant transformations. By focusing on continuous, incremental progress, we set ourselves on a path to lasting success.
Read more: The 1% Rule: Transforming Lives Through Incremental Progress
4. The Power of Being Unembarrassable, Unoffendable, and Unirritable (March 7, 2025)
Inspired by Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence, this article explored the liberation that comes from mastering our emotional responses. By choosing not to be embarrassed, offended, or irritated, we maintain control over our inner peace. This mindset fosters resilience and allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and unwavering focus.
Read more: The Power of Being Unembarrassable, Unoffendable, and Unirritable
5. The Beautiful Battle of the Mind: Lessons from A Beautiful Mind (March 8, 2025)
Reflecting on the film A Beautiful Mind, this piece delved into the complexities of the human psyche and the internal battles we face. The story of John Nash’s struggle with schizophrenia serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental resilience and understanding. It underscores the continuous effort required to master our thoughts and maintain mental fortitude.
Read more: The Beautiful Battle of the Mind: Lessons from A Beautiful Mind
Training and Personal Development
This week, I fully immersed myself in karate (with Action Karate) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training (with McHugh BJJ), reigniting my passion for martial arts. Every session has been a reminder that strength—both mental and physical—is built through discipline and consistency.
I also officially began my program to train my hips for a 3-mile run in November, which is a key requirement for my Black Belt test in American Kenpo at Action Karate. Running is something I haven’t done in years, and this challenge represents not only a physical test but also a statement about commitment, recovery, and perseverance. I documented the beginning of this journey in my article:
Read more: Training for a 3-Mile Run: A Journey of Resilience and Preparation
Additionally, I launched my 90-Day Personal Living Strong Project—a journey focused on recovery, resilience, and growth. This is a structured, intentional approach to regaining strength, reinforcing discipline, and pushing my limits.
Read more: The 90-Day Personal Living Strong Project: My Journey Through Recovery, Resilience, and Growth
For additional insights into my training journey and personal development philosophies, check out these articles from my blog:
- Own the Moment, Own Your Life
A reminder that every moment presents an opportunity for growth. Seizing those moments allows us to build a purpose-driven life. - Living Strong: My Journey Back to the Martial Arts Mats
An in-depth look at my personal journey returning to martial arts after double hip surgery. This is my story of resilience and passion.
A Powerful Conversation on Life, Legacy, and Community
On Saturday, I had the privilege of ending my week with an incredible conversation with Master Laramie, Master Dannenfelser, and Master Magill (from Dinoto’s Action Karate Mt Laurel).
We sat down and spoke about the things that truly matter—life, legacy, martial arts, community, and the lessons we’ve learned and applied over the years. It was a conversation filled with wisdom, shared experiences, and a deep appreciation for the impact we get to make in the lives of those around us.
A special thank you to Take 5 Cafe and its wonderful owners, Ira and Bernadette, for hosting us and serving up some fantastic coffee and snacks. Your hospitality made this gathering even more meaningful, and I appreciate the space you provide for conversations that inspire and uplift our community.
A Celebration of Community
Beyond my personal journey, this week reminded me of how grateful I am for my community. Whether it’s the students I teach, the people I train with, or the incredible support from those who follow my journey, I never take it for granted.
Living Strong is not just about me—it’s about all of us. It’s about how we show up for each other, how we push through the tough days, and how we continue to grow together.
As I get closer to my 64th birthday on May 9th, I am more excited than ever about the path ahead. I’m back on the mat, training harder than ever, teaching, learning, and preparing for my next challenges. The best part? I get to do it all with a community that believes in strength, growth, and never giving up.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Forward
This past week has been one of deep reflection, intense training, meaningful connections, and powerful conversations.
- 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 reconnecting with powerful lessons from Inner Excellence.
- I strengthened my community by engaging in deep, meaningful discussions with fellow martial artists.
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.
Here’s to another week of Living Strong.
What’s been your biggest lesson this past week? Let’s keep pushing forward together. Drop your thoughts in the comments!
This finalized version now contains all requested updates, including the 3-mile run article and all relevant links. Let me know if you need any last-minute changes! 🚀🔥💪
