The boy on the bus

The boy on the bus is a disaster story. We can aspire to a happy ending but your better off scraping hearts off of a bar room floor somewhere than on this bus ride. 

Life is a fight, but not everyone's a fighter.

. I've only entrusted this story to a few special people before but it's time to get off the bus now, whether anyone is waiting at the station or not. 

As a kid the school bus wasn't the best of places for me. 

When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper; They may scratch and hurt you, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless. 

In the Dojo we teach the art of fighting. In our fitness classes you learn 'Self Coaching' both develop a fighters heart'. In the fight game there is always a chance you could loose,

 A bully wants to beat somebody; he doesn't want to fight somebody.

In abusive relationships and in schools, people are bullied into silence and are afraid to speak up. Unfortunately to be successful in future relationships or day to day life communication is key.

Empower yourself. You need confidence because the one thing that bullying does is it belittles you and takes away your confidence, and nobody deserves that.

 A former student used to end every class or sparring session in tears but their personal growth through regular training made them an inspration for children and a master of getting these kids out of their shells and definitly earned my respect as a teacher a mentor and a friend. 

It's been a hell of a month, a hell of a year and next year is full of promise . But now it's time for this boy to get off the bus ,Who knows whats gonna be there when the bus doors open !

With great sacrifice come great rewards.

We all have our convictions formed by different things, and mine are informed by my faith in my team, 

my students, hard work and in God., Join our Journey Learn the difference.

https://fearlessfamilymartialarts.com/

A Matter of Inspiration..a letter to a friend

A flower that continues to bloom in the face of adversity is the most beautiful of all.

Adversity, pain & heartbreak are all seeds for the improvement of ourselves,

 or those we mentor.

I remember as a 13 year old boy meeting you for the first time.

You were a pretty intimidating guy, the kinda guy I wanted to become 

after being repeatedly bullied on the school bus.

Children must be taught how to think not what to think....you did that.

The mind of a child is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

You were not so much a teacher to me but an awakener.

We live our lives between the act of awakening and the act of surrender.

Each morning we awaken to the light, an invitation to a new day in the world of time.

Each night we surrender to the darkness to play in the world of dreams,

 where time is no more.

Often the profound effect we have on others goes unnoticed by us.

As parents we want to be heros to our children.
As warriors we want to leave the mark of our will, our signature,

on the hearts and minds of our students, and all who's lives we touch.

You have done that in me Thank You, It is an honor to call you a mentor and a friend.

God, Family, Country

God, Family, Country...

Someone to look up to,
Someone to lean on,
Something to stand on.

-Zig Ziglar -

New Years Eve         2013

I was really gonna just stay home with the pups and a bottle of wine ..Really  !
My friend Diane called and said she had tickets for an evening out  !!
...And so it began New Years Eve at a gay bar !!!

 

Crimes of hatred and prejudice from lynchings, cross burnings,

vandalism of synagogues, school shootings, racial, gender, 

and bias based on sexuality are a sad fact of American history.

 

 I did a karaoke duet with a guy  (he did the girls part),

 A jealous male friend of his then tore off his shirt and began taunting

my 'co-star'......

I have zero tolerance for bullying.

I wanted to' handle my co-stars'  problem...
 he was terrified by this and left before I could make his attacker 'appologize'.
It takes time to realize that all your “problems” don't define you.

I understand also that....
 'Sheep' are sometimes as  terrified of the 'Sheepdog' as they are of the 'Wolf' 
We are always striving to get someplace else.
 All of us.
The 'Sheep', the 'Wolf' and the 'Sheepdog'.

It frustrates me sometimes that so many just don't see that our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as being able to remake ourselves.

There are times that we grow frustrated, upset, angry and sad.
 There are also moments of elation, excitement, passion, and calm.
 There are times to push harder and times to take rest.
 Our hearts can race and sometimes we just have to have a laugh at ourselves.

If we put aside our fear and hatred and just be;
  and trust ...............the answers will come.

The Disentigration of Conscience

Conscience is an aptitude, faculty, intuition or judgment of the intellect.
It distinguishes right from wrong.
 In psych terms, 
conscience causes feelings of remorse when one commits actions that go against 
 moral values, rectitude or integrity.

Commonly used metaphors for conscience include:
 the "voice within" and the "inner light"^.

Often small events in life that turn out to be the catalyst for transformation.
Some times your struggle and search will lead to your passion.
When finding and living your life passion, you need a logical plan of action.

I love those who can smile in trouble,
 who can gather strength from distress,
and grow brave by reflection.
 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink,
 but they whose heart is firm,
and whose conscience approves their conduct,
 will pursue their principles unto death.

-Leonardo Davinci-

To begin creating your own better self, you must learn to balance

 your head and your heart. 

 Relying on your heart to inform your thoughts will force you to evolve.

Baby steps..... Small acts can do the job.

Grand gestures and acts of heroism are not necessary to achieve this.

Give yourself permission to express emotions.

 Alot of times I'm accused of being passive aggressive because I do this. 

When you express emotions such as anger, sadness, guilt,

 or shame you're are perceived to be negative..... or weak.

In communicating your emotions, it’s not only about the words you say.

Your intention is also extremely important.

 Be careful that you are not expecting the other person to make you feel better.

This often leads to anger, frustration, and disappointment.

Martial Arts vs Bullying

Violence in any form implies a loss of self-control. 

Joe Lewis taught us,
martial arts instructors reinforce behavior codes that are about acquiring an attitude of self-control. 
 The last stronghold of maintaining a non-violent society lies with the
martial arts industry.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next;

Skill is knowing how to do it,

 and Courage is doing it.

-Joe Lewis-