Piece by Piece

Piece by Piece

Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~Confucius Hey there sports fans, I had to take a short hiatus in June with everything going on so I could prioritize and execute before burnout set in. But don’t you worry, I’m still grinding and storytelling, so here’s the latest. Picking up the DD214…

“Celebration of Service”

“Celebration of Service”

“It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier … [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability.” ~Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Yesterday, I retired from the…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Believe

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Believe

Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~Marcus Aurelius Every morning we wake up, hope the day goes our way, fear the unknown tasks to come, and have faith we will make it through unforeseen challenges. Circumstances that are unpredictable keep us sharp. Those are the moments that make us appreciate the good times…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Just Grow

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Just Grow

I just want to work hard, make money, eat with good people, and love the same woman over and over again.” ~Jason Statham First and foremost, Happy Easter! This time of year always feels like the time for rebirth and new beginnings. The trees are green again, the flowers are blooming, and the fish are…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Respect

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Respect

Don’t speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn’t know the difference. Words are energy and cast spells, that’s it’s called spelling. Change the way you speak about yourself and you can change your life. What you’re not changing you’re also choosing.” ~Bruce Lee There are many things valued in this world,…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: “If you build it”

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: “If you build it”

If you build it, they will come.” ~Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), Field of Dreams Long after watching the cult classic, “Field of Dreams,” I finally learned what this famous quote means. If you create something others want, they will come to you instead of you pursuing them. This past month has confirmed this thesis on…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Pressure is the Privilege

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Pressure is the Privilege

To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” ~Fictional motto of Life Magazine, from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty First things first, Happy Holidays to everyone reading this entry! I wish you nothing…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Grace

“Bills are paid. I’m working. I’m happy. My family is ok. I’m ok. Those are the little things that matter. ~Carlos Dominguez Growing up, I was no stranger to change. I attended four different elementary schools, and was often the loner kid for high school and college. The holidays are an interesting time for me…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Adaptability

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Adaptability

“For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.” ~John Steinbeck,…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Smart vs. Strong

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: Smart vs. Strong

A hungry stomach, an empty wallet and a broken heart can teach you the best lessons of life.” ~Robin Williams What I really love about my time in the military is that I was always taught great lessons on accountability. I’ve served in a lot of high-stress situations throughout my career and in those moments…

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