Case in point, once at military basic training we were having a “rough” early morning. Nothing was going right or getting accomplished…well, according to our Drill Instructor (DI) that is. The morale and attitudes had reached rock bottom, making graduation day seem impossible. Our DI was so upset, he kicked us out of the building until he decided what to do with us.

While standing at attention, there was the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. Actually, I’ve probably seen a dozen like this, but never took the time to really appreciate it. Of course anything other than getting yelled at was better, but that very sight brought a quick sense of peace and rejuvenation not only to me, but to the rest of my fellow “maggots”(you’re a not actual person til after graduation).

Needless to say, it was back to reality when the DI came back and figured the solution was more yelling. However, from that point on we began performing better. Credit may be due to his “motivation speech”, but I believe that short time focusing solely on the beauty of the sunrise excluding all distractions, worry, and stress may have been the answer.

The funny thing is that everyday life is just like basic training. We get so consumed with worry and stress, that we forget how to enjoy or appreciate life. The next time you get up for work or school, take a second to enjoy something as simple as a sunrise.

I wanted to be a professional athlete, or in the career of sports medicine(every jock’s back-up plan), but quickly got a reality check soon after high school. Unfortunately, I wasn’t “good enough” both academically and athletically. Apparently you need to have good grades or god-given speed and strength to even qualify.

Still it didn’t matter because I could still become a millionaire…some how. Throughout the course of my life, I’ve tried every “Get Rich Quick” scheme there was, from tech stocks to flipping real-estate. Neither brought joy or happiness, but rather headaches and empty bank accounts.

What I’m trying to say is that life never goes as planned. If it did, we could all write our autobiographies in advance and never experience what the future holds. Sound boring? Of course. Its like someone ruining a movie or book by telling you what happens in the end.

Everything happens for a reason, nothing happens by chance or good luck. The people you meet affect your life. As mentioned in my previous blog, “Maukai Story”, I went from living in Hawaii to New Jersey. Culture shock, yes, but that is where I met my wife, and now we have an adorable son whom I can’t imagine being without.

We all go through ups and downs in our lives, but the experience creates who we are today. So quit trying to control everything and let whats suppose to happen…happen.