In a Space of Freedom

"We have to create.
It's the only thing louder than destruction."

Protect Your Dreams

The sobering truth is that often times the people closest to you will try to convince you otherwise. Detach yourself from negativity and run full force into the horizon that is your dream!

Happiness Hit Her Like a Bullet In Her Mind

Whether your dearest friend has cancer, you're drowning in debt, or your fears, doubts, and worries are gripping you from moving forward, one of your arsenals to combat the interminable commotion of life is optimism.

In the recent blog post A Richer Life by Seeing the Glass Half Full by Jane E. Brody from the New York Times, Brody poses a paradigm shift in the definition of optimism. The more traditional definition of being optimistic is often thought of as, "...avoid negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on prospects of failure, dwell on the positive aspects of a situation."

I think this definition still holds weight but instead of just thinking positive, the more progressive definition encompasses an element that focuses on moving forward: "...rather than giving up and walking away from difficult situations, optimists attack problems head-on. They plan a course of action, getting advice from others and staying focused on a solution."

So, you can tell Darth Vader to back off and quite frankly, the dark side doesn't have cookies. Through a solution-oriented approach and fully equipping yourself with a strategy that even Yoda would be proud of, you might find yourself turning your face to the light and letting your shadows fall behind you.

Never Stop Seeking Information

Mentors Make the World Go Round

I recently had lunch with an old professor who wrote my undergraduate recommendation letter for University of the Pacific. We had not seen each other for over three years. Our conversation picked up where we left off, like the seasons never changed.

Sparks flew as we had a meeting of our minds and the energy cultivated enveloped my soul. For a brief moment, the world was at peace as we shared our fears, hopes, and dreams.

It was good to see my old professor, friend, and more importantly, mentor. There are a handful of key people who have pierced my life in an unrelenting way with their wisdom, understanding, and love. For this, I am forever grateful.

Photographer and Creator: Tam Tran

Your Character Is Everything

"I have attended many funerals in my life and I conducted almost 200 of them. I never heard in a funeral that this or that person has made a lot of money or is politically very strong. They never discuss that. In a funeral, people discuss how this person was very kind, or very gracious or had character and integrity. People want to deal with honest people. For some people who are not kind, not thoughtful or gracious, their funerals are very short because nobody has anything to say. So I learned from the funerals that we have to plan our funerals when we are very young. Plan your funerals, start early, by being kind, smile, and be gracious to others."

— Jon Huntsman

Savor The Moment

Today, I taught one of my last classes for the semester and as I said my final words..... my students applauded.

:'-)