Warren Buffet has a similar quote: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

Another year winds down, and we are in the last week of classes before closing for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The last day for classes is tomorrow, Saturday 21 December. Classes will resume from Monday 6 January 2014.

Reflecting on all that has been going on over the last couple of weeks... I reflected on how when young, there is a feeling of being indestructible with no real concern about consequences... until it robs one of whatever is precious: especially time... time to love, time to experience, time to be with family and loved ones... time being young and healthy... Imagine how fleeting and precious it is when as a moment in time is realised, it is gone.

Looking back over the year, I hope that you discover you have achieved all that you had set out to achieve at the beginning of 2013. If not, there's always next year. Another chance to visualise, pray and dream. Aligning the mind, body and spirit in achieving those intentions also helps with the day to day and moment to moment decisions and focus. Detachment from how the outcome should be alleviates the burden of stress and anxiety. Then look forward to celebrating fully with gratitude as each dream is fulfilled.

On the way, like meeting the wolf as you make your way to grandmother's, it does not take one hour or five minutes... It just takes one millisecond to make a decision that will change your life.
May it always be for the better.

Have a most gloriously satisfying and meaningful Christmas Season, filled with love, laughter, friends and family... and a most joyful, fulfilling and prosperous New Year!

See you in the Dojo.

In peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright December 2013: Rafael Oei)

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