Glancing Back at 2014

Glancing Back At 2014  2014 was a full year of near non-stop travel - PR China, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Russia, Poland, the Netherlands, Minnesota, Arizona, Washington, Texas and Oklahoma.  Many hundreds of people were my teachers.  They provided learning and lessons that continue to unfold.  Among these I am particularly grateful for having had the opportunity to be deeply moved by the perseverance displayed by: - Tom Osborne, Keganin No Senshi Aikido, for dedicating his life to healing the scars held by all men, women and children who have ever been affected by Combat Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. - Susan Adams, for her focus on service to others through Two Cranes Institute, all the while setting aside trials of personal sorrow. - Timothy Locke, for his steadfastness and positive attitude while successfully rebuilding Four Springs Retreat Center, against what at times appeared to be near impossible odds. - Caroline Su, of Enlightening Coaching, for her commitment to responsible paths of long-term practice while training life coaches, midst an industry that has become increasingly dominated and sidetracked by quick fix programs and promises of instant learning. - Miranda Yen, of Hong Kong, for her integrity when it comes to leading her company, for her commitment as a parent, and for the choice she makes to always look for good in others. - Steve Parker, my friend, for allowing me to walk with him into the world of his final days ... there to witness honesty, service to others and gratitude as the basis for his last actions.   "Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."  -  Mother Teresa