This year, 2026, everything I’ve learned in my life seems to be merging like crystal clear streams that calmly connect into a smooth flowing river that is fresh and clean. It eventually pours into a sparkling light blue ocean that is being newly created as a result. I’m floating on a relaxing, comfortable, and stable vehicle with advanced technology. With me are my most trusted and kindest loved ones. We are smiling and absorbing the beauty of everything.
Category Archives: Family
Could 2026 be my flow year?
My Nephew and I hanging out.
Spending time with my nephew.
#nephew #family #lovedones #familytime #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindful #mindfulnes #preciousmoments #simplepleasures #oahu #hawaii #hawaiilife #hawaiilifestyle #mindset #positivemindset #mentalhealth #bepresent #stressrelief #stressremedies #anxietyrelief #anxietyremedies #breaktime #resttime #worklifebalance #familyfirst #familyiseverything #positivelife #positivelifestyle
Filed under Blog, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Hawaii, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Mindset, Writing
My Nephew’s 2nd Birthday!
My nephew and I on his birthday about a week ago.
#mindfulness #mindfulliving #mindful #nephew #family #happy #happymoments #happiness #preciousmoments #simplepleasures #gratitude #grateful #thankful #lovedones #joy #joyfulmoments #hawaii #hawaiilife #hawaiilifestyle #oahu #lovelife #luckytobealive #gratitudeattitude #positivemasters #appreciative #awesome #positivemindset #mindset #psychology #philosophy
For a boost of positivity in your life, keep in touch with your positive friends and family.
Zoom video conference with my friends: Scott and Maki Imaye; Scott and Tricia Murakami; Ryan and Jodie Sanada; and Grant, Elle, and Ethan Karamatsu on Friday, October 23, 2020. I’m super grateful for my loved ones and technology. For a boost of positivity in your life, keep in touch with your positive friends and family.
Filed under Family, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Mindset, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
I’m so proud of my younger sister Mia who is an ER doctor during this pandemic with the Coronavirus.
I’m so proud of my younger sister Mia who is an ER doctor during this pandemic with the Coronavirus. She is pictured in light blue scrubs, 4th from the right.
I’m so proud of my younger sister Mia who is an emergency room doctor specializing in emergency healthcare for children in San Francisco, California. Mia is the middle child in my family, with me as the oldest and my sister Lara, a civil engineer in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the youngest. Since Mia was in elementary school, she said she was going to grow up to be a doctor. From back then, I had a strong feeling she was going to achieve her dream. My sister is also an amazing mother of three little girls, a great soccer player who played college ball at Loyola Marymount University, and a fantastic example of determination as shown by her ability to undergo so many years of learning that includes years of specialty training beyond her medical doctorate degree from the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In this recent picture, Mia is wearing light blue scrubs, fourth from the right with some of her colleagues, all of whom I’m proud of as well.
Every time I watch the news on television and see the healthcare workers helping patients, I get emotional. I start to cry when I see patients and healthcare workers die from the Coronavirus. Despite the danger, doctors, nurses, and other medical workers volunteer to go to the Cornavirus hot spots, and a number of them have come out of retirement to help where they’re needed or at their local medical centers. Like the world has been saying day in and day out, our healthcare workers are truly our heroes. We entered this world with these heroes by our side, and we’ll leave this world with them by our side. To all of you serving in the healthcare sector, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is a new series at +positive masters+, showcasing people making a positive impact on others. I’m starting close with my sister Mia.
Enter the +positive masters+ universe at www.positivemasters.com for mindset practices, motivational writing, and apparel with inspirational mantras and designs to boost your happiness and counter any stress, anxiety, sadness, or anger that you may be facing.
Filed under Blog, E-commerce, Family, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
I changed my mind regarding watching television shows and playing video games.
I changed my mind regarding watching television shows and playing video games.
I changed my mind regarding watching television shows and playing video games. If they bring joy into your life and help you to alleviate your stress and anxiety, go ahead and consume them in moderation to get that boost of energy that you need to keep working on your dream life.
I hardly ever play video games and rarely watch television programs. I don’t have any video games on my computer, nor do I have a game console at home. About five years ago, I deleted any video game from my smart phone.
This all changed this past Saturday January 25, 2020 when my 9-year-old second cousin E showed me how much he loves the video game “The Battle Cats” by Ponos Corporation (Known as “Battle Nekos,” as named by the founders in Japan), available for smart phones and tablets. He showed me how to play it. The characters are so darn cute, and the battles are fun, like a journey. There’s also funny descriptions for the scenes and characters and motivational comments that are applicable to your life. Playing it was like a tasty medicine that makes you high with pleasure. During the time I played the game, it took my mind off of the darkness that has been clouding my mind and soul: the deaths of those I love, dealing with difficult people and issues, facing prison time for my driving under the influence, opposition against my business projects and career, financial challenges, and other things bothering me. In moderate doses, “The Battle Cats” has recharged my energy to get myself back in the game of business and personal growth. I’m going all-out again after my latest bout with darkness when this past Christmas ended and my sister Mia and her family left Hawaii to return back to California.
The Battle Cats, a video game by Ponos Corporation for your smart phone and tablet.
As far as watching television, I avoid the news because of its negativity, but I recently began watching more fictional stories and documentaries that has sparked ideas for my fictional and nonfictional writing and motivated me to keep moving forward on my business projects, personal development, and my dreams for a life of creativity and more time with my loved ones.
So there it is, I changed my life policy on avoiding television shows and video games. In moderation, it can actually be a tool to recharge yourself so you can continue to play your real-life game in your career and personal growth.
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Enter the +positive masters+ universe at www.positivemasters.com for mindset practices, motivational writing, and apparel with inspirational mantras and designs to boost your happiness and counter any stress, anxiety, sadness or anger that you may be facing. ❤️
Make it a point to spend time with your loved ones.
Make it a point to spend time with your loved ones. Don’t let your career or personal interests dominate your life. Set a certain day of the week or month to meet with them. If you don’t hear from your loved ones, make the effort to contact them. The moment before you now is precious. This time next year will not be the same. Even when you are extremely busy, you can still dedicate some time to talk to your loved ones on the phone or on the Internet. Your future self will be grateful for all the memories you create with them.
For instance, every Sunday afternoon, I get-together with my mom, dad, younger sister, bother-in-law, and baby nephew at my parents’ house where we usually do an online video call with my younger sister, brother-in-law, and three young nieces, all living in the Bay Area, California. Afterwards, we either eat dinner at my parent’s place or go to a restaurant to dine. Also, every year my entire immediate family enjoys meeting up in California, Hawaii, or another location. Often times, we meet up several times a year to enjoy one another’s company. This is the most important part of my life, being with my family.
Moreover, I dedicate time to be with my close friends. We talk story, dine, or go out somewhere relaxing. Likewise, have some fun with your friends. Participate in activities together. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you laugh and converse. Maybe travel somewhere fun together. These wonderful times with your friends will also be a part of you that you will always be grateful for.
Happy holidays and have an awesome 2020! Go and make some great memories with your family and friends!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
Filed under Family, Friends, Happiness, Inspirational, Life Coach, Motivational, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
I had some fun with Scott, Maki, my cousin Grant, cousin-in-law Christine, nephew, and little niece had some fun time together at Honolulu Beerworks
My friend Scott Imaye and his lovely wife Maki was back in Hawaii from Japan. 😃
Here, Scott, Maki, my cousin Grant, cousin-in-law Christine, nephew, little niece, and I had some fun time together at Honolulu Beerworks @honolulubeer , my first time there on Monday November 18, 2019. The macaroni and cheese with chicken and toasted bread crumbs was really good. ❤🍽🍺😋
We all had fun playing the beanbag game. ❤
I’m proud of the #entrepreneurs in Hawaii who have created a wave of #microbreweries in Hawaii. 👍👊
I rarely go out so this was a treat. Since I catch the bus for transportation, Grant kindly drove me home all the way on the West side of Oahu even though he lives on the Eastside so I could stay out later. 😊
Filed under Family, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness
Business agreement and then time with my family.
I had to execute an agreement in downtown Honolulu, and then I met up with my nephew and family.
I had to execute an agreement in downtown Honolulu, and then I met up with my nephew and family. It was nice to have a relaxing day. Crushing it hard again tomorrow onward! Have a great rest of the week! 😃
Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
We understand the generations before us when we become them.
[I wrote this article for +positive masters+ at www.positivemasters.com, an e-commerce store that provides life practices, creative writing, apparel, accessories, and fashion to boost your happiness and counter any stress, anxiety, or sadness you may be facing.]
I appreciate my late grandparents and parents even more now that I’m older.
During our time from children to adults, we observe our parents and grandparents. The world is new to us. We keep learning and exploring.
As we grow older, our grandparents and their friends fade away and our parents become the seniors. We’ve got careers and responsibilities. Some of us have kids, some of us don’t. It’s at this point that we begin to understand the sacrifices our parents and grandparents went through because we’ve become them. Once, our parents are gone, we have to take on their role. It’s surreal when you think about it, to say goodbye to our parents and their generation. As time marches on, our generation will also fade out, so we have to make the world the best it can be for the younger ones coming up. Time is the most precious resource. Let’s make the most of it. Do the things you want to do with your love your loved ones and love them with all you’ve got!
Filed under Apparel, Blog, Creative Writing, E-commerce, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fashion, Friends, Gratitude, Inspirational, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Motivational, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
Obon Services at Jodo Mission of Hawaii on Juky, 12, 2019.
I attended the Jodo Shu Hawaii obon services on July 12, 2019 with my dad, mom, and younger sister Lara.
#obon #obonservices #jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #family #familytime #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #ancestors #oahu #honolulu #hawaii #hawaiilife
Filed under Buddhism, Community, Family, Mindfulness
Preparing the otobas for obon services for Jodo Shu Hawaii.
This morning of Sunday July 7, 2019, members and friends of Jodo Shu Hawaii set up the otoba for obon services. This year, the set up is in the social hall because the outdoor structure we had was getting old and was large and heavy so the amount of manpower needed was hard on our aging volunteers. The otobas have the names of our loved ones who passed away. Obon services and Bon Dance is a special time when our ancestors are with us, though we pray to them throughout the whole year so they’re always with us. I’m serving my 9th year as president and 14th year as a board member of the organization. 😊
#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #buddhism #nonprofit #volunteer #communty #peace #innerpeace #love #obon #ancestors #lovedones #family #familytime #friends #oahu #honolulu #hawaii #hawaiilife #cultural #culturalevents
I cherish my time with my family. I dedicate my Sundays to be with them.
I cherish my time with my family. I dedicate my Sundays to be with them. My family and I in Hawaii enjoy video calling my sister and her family on the U.S. mainland.
Here’s a collage of photos with my niece and I on April 10, 2019.
Have fun with your family!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#family #lovedones #moments #preciousmoments #familytime #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindful #oahu #hawaii #hawaiilife #hawaiilifestyle
My niece and I.
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness
My hair represents time. It’s a physical and daily reminder that time is ticking. Once time passes, we can’t go back. We have to go all out on what we want now and love our loved ones now. The second reason I enjoy having short hair to long hair is to break away from any feelings of stagnation.
My #hair represents time. It’s a physical and daily reminder that #time is ticking. Once time passes, we can’t go back. We have to go all out on what we want now and #love our loved ones now. The longer my hair grows, the more #motivated I am to #work on my #goals and love my loved ones. 👊
❤
The second reason I enjoy having short hair to long hair is to break away from any feelings of #stagnation . So much of our life is based on our #mindset . I don’t want to be the same all the time. I don’t want to be doing the same thing over and over again. I want to constantly #evolve over time. I want to keep #expanding and #reinventing myself. So as my hair grows over 8 or more months, hopefully, so does my #knowledge , #skills , and #relationships .
Everything I do has a reason. There’s #practicality in growing your hair for #productivity besides saving money. I’ve enjoyed cutting my hair short and growing it out since my late teens. Try it! The Jon Riki Productivity Strategy! For me, it makes life #fun !! 😃
What are your productivity #strategies ? 💻 📖 ✒
Attack all that you want my friends!!! 😊
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#positivemindset #productivityhacks #productivitytips #raceagainstime #chooseyourself #reinventyourself #life #career #business #quote #quote #motivationalquotes #motivation
Filed under Business, Career, Consistency, Entrepreneurship, Family, Friends, Goals, Inspirational, Life, Life Coach, Love, Motivational, Productivity, Quotes, Success, Writing
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and two younger sisters!
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and two younger sisters! I love them so much. My mom taught me love, compassion, empathy, and gratitude, all the fundamentals of life. My sisters are amazing moms for their young children. I’m super lucky!
Every single mom, whether they’re with us physically or in spirit means so much. Often times, they bring balance to our lives and world because they truly want the best for us. They want to see us happy. Sending my love to all you moms out there!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#mom #mother #mothersday #family #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #love #compassion #empathy
Filed under Compassion, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Writing
Peace is my purpose.
Peace is my purpose.
I became a lawyer and politician with this goal in mind through the laws and programs I created or supported.
I enjoy business because #commerce can connect people when a great value is provided.
I love writing fiction because you can touch the souls of people by evoking their emotions through the struggles your characters go through. If you can make a reader have compassion and empathy for a character they would have disliked or even hated but for the story, then you’ve played a small role in bridging the division created by human judgment. Such stories can be adapted into audio and visual form such as audio books and movies to reach a greater audience.
Nonfiction writing can play a role in our self-development in not just our career but our personal development to attain inner peace. If all of us are at peace, the world will be at peace.
So what do you think about attaining world peace? If we break it down into bite size pieces and work on ourselves and help others every single day, it’s possible right!
May peace be with you! Sending you positive energy!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#selfdevelopment #personaldevelopment #selfhelp #innerpeace #motivated #determined #hustle #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #gratitude
I’m pictured here working with a former business partner for branding and marketing on 2/13/2019.
Filed under Books, Branding, Business, Career, Compassion, Consistency, Creative Writing, Empathy, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fiction, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Law, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Motivation, Peace, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
The children in our lives can inspire us to continue being curious and have that excited desire to learn.
Howzit! What’s up! I love this moment with my #niece on February 16, 2019 at Salt Our Kaka’ako @saltourkakaako in Honolulu, Hawaii. Everyday, #children #learn exponentially with their desire to find out what they don’t understand. They have an immense amount of #curiosity . The children in our lives can inspire us to continue being #curious and have that excited #desire to learn.
Stay curious my friends! Sending positive energy to you!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#family #familytime #lovedones #curiousmind #business #career #law #entrepreneurship #writing #fiction #nonfiction #goals #vision #dreams #inspirational #motivational #quote #mindset #positivemindset #mentalhealth #health #kakaako #honolulu #hawaii
My niece and I at Salt Our Kaka’ako in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 16, 2019.
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fiction, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspirational, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivational, Nonfiction, Novels, Peace, Poems, Politics, Positive Living, Productivity, Quotes, Writing
My niece and I on 4/6/19.
My niece and I on 4/6/19. I’m super grateful to have these moments with my loved ones!
#niece #family #familytime #lovedones #priority #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #gratitude #thabkful #joy #happy #love
My niece and I with all the stuff animals around us as she eats!
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Love, Mindfulness
My niece and I making funny faces!
My niece and I making different funny faces on 4/9/19!
Practice: Spend time with my loved ones!
#niece #family #familytime #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness #joy #love #memories #honolulu #hawaii
My niece and I on 4/11/2019!
My niece and I on 4/11/2019!
Practice: Spend time with my loved ones!
#niece #family #familytime #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #joy #fun #love #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Positive Living
Our “why” in life is very clear when we have little ones in our hearts! 😊
My niece and I on 4/11/2019 at 1 year and 3 months old. Our “why” in life is very clear when we have little ones in our hearts! 😊
#niece #family #familytime #love #joy #preciousmoments #oahu #hawaii #grateful #thankful #mindful #mindfulness #happy
My niece and I in Pearl City, Hawaii on April 11, 2019!
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Love, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Writing
Quadrupling Down in My Race Against Time – Race Against Time Part X
I have so much #gratitude for Starbucks @starbucks , especially the @waikelestarbucks @waikelepo because the baristas are so nice and the #vibe is good. I can #work there for 10 hours straight. Pictured here are some free samples: a brownie and the Pink Drink! Grateful ! Got my constant companion, my @apple #macbookpro #laptop ! 💻
For the past few years, I feel like almost every month or two, someone I know dies. My last poem was about racing against time. It’s the 9th time since 2004 that I’ve titled a post on my website “Racing Against Time.” We have to go all-out on what we want to do before our time in this realm expires. I’m super #thankful to have lived this long and experienced many things I envisioned #accomplishing but I still have so much more on my mind that I need to execute before I die. I’m quadrupling down on my work and going harder now! 💻
My friends, keep going, keep loving, and keep smiling! 😀
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#keepgoing #hustle #grind #read #learn #write #relationships #consistency #dailyhabits #smallwins #business #career #love #mindful #mindfulness #happy #process #workanywhere #books
#novels #poems #law #fiction
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Computer, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Family, Fiction, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Health, Law, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Motivation, Nonfiction, Poems, Positive Living, Productivity, Quotes, Stories, Study, Writing
You never know how much time you have with those close to you.
My friend Mike Noguchi picked me up at Ala Moana Hotel where I was working at after a meeting with a client at Ala Moana Center. He treated me to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays @rubytuesdayhawaii in Moanalua, Hawaii.
On a sad note, a close friend of my family died, my dad’s really good friend. He was my cub scout master, soccer coach, metal shop teacher, political supporter, and a mentor on how to live a positive life. He was always smiling and laughing. He always took my family and I to the airport and picked us up when we traveled. I’m deeply saddened.
#friends #lovedones #gratitude #sad #sadness #life
From the Middle, Suffering Expands Our Gratitude Practice!
From the middle, suffering expands our gratitude practice by making us more present and aware of the light in a mass of darkness, which is all the good things we have in our lives. Here are my 10 examples of how suffering can expand our gratitude practice:
1. When a loved one dies, we’re grateful for the time we had with that person.
2. When our romantic relationship falls apart, we’re grateful to have had the opportunity to experience romance.
3. When we fail at a goal, we’re grateful for the lessons we learned from the failure.
4. When we face financial hardship, we’re grateful for every little thing we have that helps us get by.
5. When we provide value for others and get attacked by opposition or critics, we’re grateful for our ability to create value for others and evolve.
6. When facts in litigation aren’t believed where we face fines, jail, or unfavorable rulings for business, divorce or our personal life, we’re grateful that we had the opportunity to tell what happened.
7. When we can no longer drive a vehicle, we’re grateful for public transportation.
8. When our health declines, we’re grateful for still being alive and having what abilities we still have.
9. When we are wronged by people, we’re grateful for all the positive people in our lives.
10. When our life appears to be in turmoil, we’re grateful that we were born to even have a shot at life.
3 of my daily practices are shown here: the middle way, gratitude, and listening to music (Im wearing Bose Soundsport)!
#middleway #gratitude #buddhism #music #practices #dailypractices #bose #bosesoundsport #grateful #thankful #mentalhealth #health #mindset #positivemindset #mindfulness #mindful #peace #innerpeace
Filed under Buddhism, Business, Community, Compassion, Consistency, Creative Writing, Empathy, Entrepreneurship, Failure, Family, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Health, Life, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
Missing My Aunty JoAnn Matsumoto
With the passing of my aunty JoAnn Matsumoto on February 1, 2019 due to pneumonia, I’ve fallen deeper into sadness. I feel an emptiness in my soul. Everyday I practice gratitude, mindfulness, meditation, creative writing, and my many other positive practices to keep moving forward. Nothing seems to matter to me except for those I love and my fiction and nonfiction writing for my far-reaching entertainment company. Everything in the stories I create embodies what my aunty JoAnn was: loving, caring, compassionate, emphatic, and positive. All my worse problems are small in comparison to losing my aunty. I would go to prison for my driving under the influence charge and lose more money with start-ups to have her back.
Yesterday, March 7, 2019, I attended the funeral services for my aunty JoAnn. She’s my mom’s cousin. She was like a sister for my mom Laraine and her sisters aunty Jamie and aunty Maydeen and brother Wilson because she stayed with them and their parents when she moved to Oahu for college from Hawaii island and spent so much time with them up to her recent passing.
My friends, cherish every moment with your loved ones. Them being with us makes our problems small. We can always make our comeback but we can’t get our loved ones back in physical form once they’re gone. We can always find ways to make money but that stuff doesn’t impact us the way good people do. I love you all. May peace be with you.
#aunty #aunt #joannmatsumoto #loving #caring #compassionate #emphatic #positive #family #lovedones #sadness #emptiness #suffering #life #career #business #entrepreneurship #prioritize #whatisimportant #timeisprecious #writing #fiction #nonfiction #creativewriting #healsmysoul #mindset #positivemindset #loveyou
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Filed under Business, Career, Compassion, Creative Writing, Death, Empathy, Entertainment, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Family, Gratitude, Journal, Life, Life Coach, Live Events, Love, Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Quotes, Writing
Fade Out or Keep Going?
Fade out or keep going? What are we chasing after in this competitive and sometimes cruel world? Money? Power? Fame? When you reach it, you get attacked by others and punished more severely. Is it worth it? I think most of us want to be happy and at peace. There’s something beautiful in fading out from the craziness of society to be with your own soul in a peaceful and quiet life. Maybe live a simple life near the ocean or up in the mountains. It sounds so nice to meditate, read, research, write, create art, produce content that helps others, build a service for others using technology, and only hang out with those who lift your spirit. I’m not saying to completely cut ourselves off from the world. We could still continue our hustle to create value for others from afar, only coming back to society for our loved ones and for our most passionate projects. Do you feel this sometimes? If this was possible would you try it?
This is a picture of the sunset in Waikele, Hawaii on 2/19/19.
#fadeout #keepgoing #money #power #fame #peace #innerpeace #alonetime #meditate #happiness #simplelife #ocean #mountains #sunsets #clouds #family #lovedones #lifestylebusiness #write #read #research #fiction #nonfiction #poetry #art #music #content #contentcreation #technology #services
Filed under Books, Buddhism, Business, Career, Community, Creative Writing, Creativity, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Family, Friends, Goals, Happiness, Inspiration, Life, Life Coach, Love, Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Nature, Nonattachment, Novels, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Productivity, Stories, Success, Writing
Time with our loved ones is valuable
I was so lucky to spend time with my younger sister and my baby niece in February 2019 when they came to Oahu, Hawaii for my baby sister’s baby shower, which I helped to prepare! Here, my niece’s laughter and smile is so cute!!!
The speed in which a baby develops is a great example on how valuable time is. I dedicate every Sunday for my family in person and by video calling my family in the San Francisco Bay area. My parents, baby sister, brother-in-law, and I fly out about twice a year to be with my sister, brother-in-law, and nieces on the U.S. Mainland. We hang out in California or travel to different places. They also visit us in Hawaii. Further, I do my best to attend all of my extended family’s gatherings and events. I also spend some time with my friends.
We don’t know how much time we have to live. Neither can we predict how much time our loved ones will live. When I’m with my loved ones, I do my best to be present and absorb all I can, every moment. I love my family and friends. May you have joy with your loved ones as well. Take care!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#baby #niece #family #lovedones #friends #mindfulnes #mindful #grateful #gratitude #thankful #love #hawaii
Filed under Family, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Positive Living
If you have problems and flaws, you have a story!!!
Dim the light of my laptop.
Darkness moves all over me.
I play a song.
The melodic sound pulls my soul.
I float to a place where only emotions flow.
The feelings of love overwhelms me.
Tingling sensations move throughout me.
I cry.
– Poem, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 2/22/19 –
I wrote this poem in about a minute in the early morning of 2/22/19. Poems are a way for us to write at a higher emotional realm. It’s therapeutic for me. When I was younger, I would go to events & gatherings that often involved alcohol. I would work super hard, nonstop & saw charity events, business mixers, & social gatherings as a break to look forward to, a reward for the hard work I’ve done. Socializing with positive people is good but the alcohol part led me to my DUI incidents, one I called the police on myself, the other I was placed in jail & charged with refusal when I asked questions that only a prosecuting attorney would ask, which I was at the time. There’s other ways to relieve stress, anxiety, & sadness. I spend a great majority of my time with my laptop, my partner. Together, we produce things for myself & others. I catch the bus & only go to events if it’s something I have to do for my business or client, or if it’s for someone I care about. Sometimes I get rides with my mom or my business partner.
To heal my suffering, I have to go within me. By working on creative writing, especially fiction, I can live other lives, experience different places, & fall in love. The words we put on paper evoke our five senses & feelings. Every journey, like our own lives, has its conflicts. Every protagonist has his or her flaws & vulnerability. Without conflicts & character flaws, there is no story. If we did write it, it would be boring. So if you have problems & flaws in your life, you have a story! You’re our protagonist, our hero who we are rooting for!!! Keep going my friends!!!
#poem #poems #creativewriting #poetry #micropoem #poet #quote #quotes #motivationalquotes #motivational #hero #journey #story #storytelling #fiction #nonfiction #experiences #lifeexperience #challenges #conflict #flaws #vulnerability #keepgoing #staypositive #sendinglove #positivemindset
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivational, Writing
My Dad & Brother-in-Law’s Birthday Dinner at Vintage Cave Cafe
Celebrated my dad (2/8) and brother-in-law Ross’ (2/7) birthday with my mom and sister Lara at Vintage Cave Cafe at Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, Hawaii today, February 8, 2019 from 5:30 pm.
Learn, Hustle, Live With Patience, & Be Grateful!
Since I was little, my mom and dad encouraged me to try different things, learn, & work hard. You never know, anything is possible. You may live your dreams. Some of mine came true, like becoming a politician, practicing law, building businesses, & helping nonprofits with a mission of peace within ourselves & the world.
However, when you take a chance on a dream, a vision, a value you want to share with others, you put yourself at risk of failure, criticism, & even hate. I get most of my anxiety worrying about whether I will fail or if someone will attack me or my organization. Most of these anxieties are about things I can’t control. To lessen this darkness that slows down my progress & deflates my happiness, I practice what I can control: (1) Always keep learning & building new skills; (2) Hustle like I’m a fiercely determined soccer striker with #7 on the back of my jersey, practicing my craft everyday so I can play for that championship title; (3) Have patience in the process, as I understand many big goals take years to achieve; & (4) Be grateful from the moment I wake up until I sleep. I appreciate the chance to be alive, all the good things in my life, the lessons of my failures, the ability to learn new things, Hawaii, travel, & my loved ones.
It’s not always easy. We all have our down days. Yet, tomorrow is always another day to crush it! And yes, with a positive mindset, we can achieve great heights & fill our lives with happiness a vast majority of our time. So attack your dreams! Learn, hustle & live with patience. Most importantly, be grateful for your shot at life & all the wonderful things around you!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#thoughts #practices #learn #hustle #patience #grateful #gratitude #quotes #quote #motivationalquotes #dreams #goals #vision #personallife #career #business #entrepreneurship #books #novels #writing #law #politics #events #peace #innerpeace #worldpeace #hawaii #lovedones #family
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Community, Concerts, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Family, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspirational, Law, Life, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivational, Nonattachment, Peace, Philosophy, Politics, Positive Living, Productivity, Quotes, Writing
My Niece & I on 10/21/2018
My niece and I on 10/21/2018 in the Bay Area, California.
#family #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #memories #experiences
Happy New Year 2019!
Hustling into 2019 without breaking a stride like my niece excitedly crawling up a long flight of stairs in a fast pace! Let’s take it to the next level in 2019!
#newyearseve #newyear #newyear2019 #2019 #hustle #niece #family #goals #vision #tenacity #happynewyear #happynewyear2019
Dragons & Tigers
The world of imagination is where the magic lives. My niece and I create worlds where dragons and tigers make friends with different life forms and collect different powers to protect the universe from the darkness that exist among all beings and creatures. The lessons in our make-believe realms can play a huge role in our daily reality, even our life’s purpose. Here, we’re playing at a playground.
#niece #family #imagination #imagine #creativity #stories #story #storytelling #acting #art #makebelieve #reality #dragons #tigers #heroes #purpose #fun #superheroes
Filed under Creativity, Family, Life Coach, Writing
2018 Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Seeing my nieces happy and excited on Christmas Day is such a memorable moment!
#christmas #christmasday #christmastree #christmaspresents #happyholidays #family #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful
2018 Sinaitenians of Oahu Christmas Party
I had a great time with my friend Allen Yadao and his family at a Christmas Party for the Sinaitenians of Oahu at the Airport Honolulu Hotel. I gave a short message on what Christmas means to me. I told the audience, “The positive energy we are all sharing tonight in this room is what Christmas means to me. To share our love, and laugh. I hadn’t laughed this much in a while, like how I’m laughing all night with my buddy (I pointed to Allen). It feels so good!” I enjoyed greeting and taking pictures with everyone. That was special a night!
[I forgot to post this in December 2018!]
#friends #lovedones #christmas #christmasparty #party #airporthonoluluhotel #hotel #positiveenergy #love #laughter #laugh #friendship #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness
Filed under Events, Family, Happiness, Positive Living
St. Louis Drive Inn in Honolulu, Hawaii after the 2018 Honolulu Marathon
I’m so thankful for my mom who has been waking up about 3 a.m. every year to drive me from the Westside of Oahu to the Honolulu Marathon’s starting line by Ala Moana Beach Park. Then she picks me up at about 10 a.m. at Kapiolani Park after I complete the run and receive my medal, shell lei, finisher shirt, malasada (Portuguese fried donut), banana, and Gatorade or water.
After finishing the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday December 9, 2018, my mom and I went to St. Louis Drive Inn for lunch. My mom had an apple turnover and coffee. I chose the fresh seafood plate, which includes sashimi, mahi mahi, shrimp tempura. Ono! (Delicious in Hawaiian language). If you haven’t tried St. Louis Drive Inn yet, or are a visitor wanting to eat what the locals in Hawaii eat, check the drive inn out at 3145 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii.
#honolulumarathon #marathon #marathons #marathoner #run #running #runner #exercise #health #mom #lunch #driveinn #restaurant #restaurants #hawaiirestaurants #hawaiifood #travelfood #platelunch #seafood #ahi #sashimi #shrimptempura #tempura #mahimahi #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy
Filed under Exercise, Family, Goals, Health, Live Events, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Restaurant
Happy Baby!
My baby niece has a pleasant personality. Hopefully her happy genetics will compound over time and become super when she incorporates positive living practices as she grows older. She’s an inspiring and lovable little girl.
#baby #niece #family #happybaby #babygirl #happy #happygenes #happiness #littlegirl #joy #mindset #positivemindset #pleasant #personality #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #love #mindful #lucky #positiveliving #lifestyle #positivelifestyle #inspiring #lovable #superbaby
My baby niece who is always smiling and pleasant.
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspirational, Love
Step by Step
Step by step and we’ll get there. My 10-month old niece crawling up the stairs with me on 10/21/2018.
#stepbystep #smallgoals #goals #consistency #dailyhabits #habits #practice #dailypractice #hustle #grind #patience #family #baby #niece #sanmateo #california #mindset #positivemindset #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness #joy #love
Filed under Consistency, Family, Goals, Gratitude, Inspiration, Life, Motivation
Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
Personally, I believe in spending fun time with our loved ones. When I was a politician, my calendar was extremely packed with events. As a result, I missed out on some gatherings with my family. Now, I put way more effort to spend time with those who will always be there for me in good times and bad. In our career, people are often around us because they want something for their cause, career, business, or personal lives, which is natural. I’m just saying when you’re down in the gutter, sad, financially broke, sick, or dying, who will be there to comfort you, even help to pick you up? Those few people will be your loved ones. Go and enjoy things with them!
Here, my 3-year-old niece is petting a goat at the San Diego Zoo on October 17, 2018. Cute stuff!
Inbetween your hustle for your dreams, have fun with your loved ones my friends!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#family #lovedones #niece #priority #fun #mindset #positivemindset #happy #happiness #mentalhealth #health #work #business #entrepreneurship #vacation #play #relax #goat #pettingzoo #sandiego #sandiegozoo #california #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindful #mindfulness
My niece petting a goat at San Diego Zoo.
Filed under Family, Happiness, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I have so much gratitude for my family. Their love and support has a huge impact on me. I’m able to keep moving forward because of them. Here’s a picture of my family at MW on 11/16/2018 for my mom’s birthday and Legoland and California in October 2018.
I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to be alive. The odds of each of us being born is about 1 in 400 trillion. We’re super lucky to have a shot at life!
Wishing more happiness and peace in your life!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#thanksgiving #family #lovedones #friends #thankful #thanks #gratitude #grateful #mindset #mentalhealth #positivemindset #positivethinking #positiveoutlook #mindfulness #mindful #love #joy #happy #happiness
My mom’s birthday at MW on November 16, 2018.
My sister Mia, brother-in-law Mike with their three girls. My brother-in-law Ross is also with them.
My niece in her walker at about 10 months old.
My Mom’s Birthday Dinner at MW
Celebrated my mom’s birthday tonight at MW with my dad, sister, and brother-in-law. The owner of MW is my mom’s high school friend’s daughter. It was a great night!
San Diego Zoo
My niece and I riding the open-air bus at San Diego Zoo on 10/17/2018 in San Diego, California. My brother-in-law is behind us, my niece’s dad.
For me, I do my best to spend as much time as I can with my family. My nieces changed everything drastically because time is clearly reflected by how fast they grow up, just like my hair. 😂
Have fun with you family and friends!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#family #love #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness #mentalhealth #mindset #positivemindset #quote #quotes #vacation #therapy #relaxation #joy #lucky #fun #zoo #sandiegozoo #sandiego #california
Taking Chances
My niece and I at our @airbnb in San Diego, California on 10/16/2018. She’s a bold one in my family.
In life, we take chances. After studying, learning, planning, and strategizing, we have to take that leap if we want to find out what’s possible. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. Everytime we grow.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#family #love #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindset #mentalhealth #positivemindset #quote #quotes #quoteoftheday #quotesofinstagram #motivationalquotes #motivation #life #career #business #plan #strategize #study #learn #grind #takechances #execute #win #lose #grow
Filed under Business, Career, Family, Motivation
My Cousin’s Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
My entire immediate family and most of my extended family attended the wedding rehearsal dinner for my cousin Laura at Alamo, California on 10/14/2018.
I have to make it clear, that I’m nothing if it weren’t for my parents and sisters. Now, I have my three nieces who inspire me to keep hustling on creating value for others and making our world more peaceful. On top of that, I’m lucky to have great uncles, aunties, and cousins. I love them all.
#niece #family #love #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #inspiration #motivation #futuregeneration #children #peace #innerpeace #peaceful #liveinthepresent #countyourwins #wins
My Niece & I on 10/13/2018
My niece and I in San Mateo, California on October 13, 2018.
#niece #family #mindfulness #mindful #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness #joy #investinginourfuture #childrenareourfuture #love #reasontolive #futuregeneration
Boy & His Daruma
When I was newly in this world, my grandma Ellen Sakai got me this awesome display for Boys Day from Japan protected by a glass box showing a baby boy and his daruma. They are determined to reach their goals despite others saying they can’t. A daruma is a doll that reminds you of your goals. You paint one eye when you have a goal and color in the other eye after you achieve it. A daruma is round so it will get back up when it is knocked down. The Japanese Zen have a saying, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” I grew up very focused on what I want, even one track mind at times, obsessively attacking my most passionate goals. I’m always thinking about them even when I’m not working. I’ve learned to tame my obsession for my goals by understanding that there are things I can’t control, so I focus on what I can. Good luck on your goals! With Warmest Aloha, Jon
#grandma #family #daruma #darumadoll #boysday #goals #dreams #determined #focused #obsessed #ambition #drive #tenacity #life #love #career #business #writing #quote #quotes #motivated #excited #gratitude
Hurricane Lane
I helped my dad board up the windows of my parents’ house in preparation of Hurricane Lane in Hawaii.
#hurricanelane #hurricane #oahu #hawaii
Gratitude + Anything Is Possible
I learned gratitude from my mom. She has also encouraged me to try new things since I was a child. Anything is possible is what my mom instilled in me. I share with her and my dad every plan I have.
Here’s my mom and my baby niece at Pearl Ridge Center, Aiea, Hawaii on 8/2/2018.
#mom #niece #baby #family #influencer #pearlridge #pearlridgemall #aiea #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude #anythingispossible
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Influencer, Mindfulness, Motivational
What’s Up!
What’s up! One of my favorite pictures of my niece sitting on grandpa’s lap.
#niece #family #hawaii
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Love, Mindfulness, Motivational
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 