The choice was made in a moment but we had talked, contemplated, and deliberated about what we were going to do for quite some time as only two Scorpios can. The decision was made to move on from Princeton Academy of Martial Arts, a thriving martial arts mecca he had built, cultivated, and loved for almost 27 years and the life changing place that I had trained and taught for over 15 ½ years – but we would be transitioning far more then that. The decision was made to move on from all of it, the academy as well as the traditional rules we have been told by society we must play by. More money, more money, work and work, first for yourself then for your children until (maybe if you are lucky) retirement when you are too old or tired or set in your ways to enjoy each moment of unfettered experiences.
We have decided to step beyond it all and sell the business to our trusted friend and student then to deconstruct our lives completely. Upon hearing the news about selling the business everyone’s first question – What are you going to do next? To answer the question – Nothing, everything, and anything. We are putting everything we own in storage, taking a sabbatical, and letting life lead us in the short term and then eventually in the long term. The response from all has been a mighty WOW and positive encouragement. And of course some Oh you are lucky — not really luck, this is a choice to put ourselves as individuals and our family first. We are not independently wealthy but we are independent thinkers. Anyone could do it, maybe not daring in this huge way but in everyday life and the decision that are made whether they are made from the heart and soul or from the mind, fear, and societal pressures.
To be a true Martial Artist means not only the physical excellence but researching philosophies and examining ourselves on a deep internal level. We constantly talk and embrace, as true Warriors, courageousness and understanding that it is not truly the fight against ones enemies that we train for but to truly know oneself and how we relate to every situation and adversity. We are taking this step as warriors not out of fear but out of love. Allowing ourselves to decompress and to truly align with Spirit and our true selves. Knowing all of these things, I doubt we will ever look back on this time we are entering and say we wish we had stayed the course instead of following our hearts. We would not consider it luck but great fortune that we have made a conscious decision to truly Live Wherever We Are.
Stay tuned for more posts on:
– What brought us to this decision?
– Where to next? The where, how, and why.
Living Wherever We Are 
Donna H:
You write beautifully!… and your words inspire me…Just think 15 plus years ago…We both started taking a Kick boxing class 2xs a week..and you went so far beyond!.Amazing to watch you grow and transform into a “warrior”.We can not wait to follow you on this blog.
Much love and Peace
David D:
Hope you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Have fun, stay healthy and be fine.
Take care
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! (and post pics!)
Wishing you all the best.
Wishing ya’ll the very best in the world!!
I know my time with you was brief but I too identify as a Warrior and wear my black belt around my heart. Like Rick, I am a musician and writer. My breaking from the norm is a solo adventure at the moment as I am trying to extricate myself from all that stands between me and my future as an artist. What you are doing and how you are expressing it has given me a very rare feeling of kinship.
Just let me know if you have any tips on how to do this with no money lol
I will answer your question later! I have lots of ideas on this.
In this day and age there are many creative ways to fund your dreams starting with http://www.kickstarter.com. But I do know 2 or 3 people (artists) that have sought and found their path with really no money or funding. If you want to message me personally on Facebook I would be more then happy to chat with you in more detail and you can bounce things off of me!
When you follow your bliss… doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn’t be a door for anyone else. –Joseph Campbell
Live your lovely lives.*
(* In honor of Iverson’s retirement 2day)
HAPPY TRAILS !!!!! ♡ Karen
Best of luck, Sifu. For you and yours
May you, Sifu, and Ilaria have a fulfilling journey!!!
Good luck on all your future adventures!
Take me with you! j/k Better stay in touch.
@Sarah – Accepting apps for a travel nanny 🙂
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