Life: The Biggest Treasure

It's been a while since I've written down my thoughts, my experiences (and there has been many!), and any tips... Why? This year has been a whirlwind so far... The Year of the Rabbit is supposed to mean? This year was supposed to represent calm and serenity. I was born in the year of the Rabbit and that makes me born under a 'lucky' sign; I'm unconfrontational, friendly, outgoing, social, sensitive, and compassionate... According to my birth year, I'm a Wood Rabbit, spending my time doing for others so they can be content. Wood Rabbits don't realize that they are being stepped on or taken advantage of until it's too late...  I work as a Fitness Professional and spend LOTS of time caring for others and I LOVE it! I realized that my long commute and hours, though were taking me away from people I loved and my social life was going down the tube. I did 5 cycling events last year compared to two this year. I had to work... the economy is bad and Personal Training was being considered a luxury... with business down, gotta pick up other stuff elsewhere.


No, this is not a sob story. I am not looking for pity. Out of many life changing events that have happened this year, one BIG event has changed how I look at life. The Japan Earthquake on 3/11/11. Sendai, my birth place, ravaged by mother nature, not knowing where family was and ultimately learning of a friend's death from Natori city. Yet, I faced life, because that's all you can do sometimes. I welcomed outpouring of love and support from friends and coworkers and then I spent lots of time away from work... enjoying my cousins from Japan, who just happened to plan a 3 week vacation to see me and my family here in the US the day after the big quake, sightseeing (and I live here!), eating and drinking, seeing other friends and my siblings, and not caring about "How do I pay my bills?" EXACTLY what I needed to derail myself from the currently path my life was following.


I still think to myself: I should've probably worked a little more because I'm behind in some payments!... but I don't freak out too badly because I'm liking life right now. The good, the bad, and the ugly.


"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."  - Oprah


Now I see my family more often. I hang out with some friends. I smile a lot more (and I already smile and laugh a lot!). I still get discouraged and feel emotional and face setbacks... but now I feel like in FINALLY ready to dive into the finest treasure!...... L-I-F-E!