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
Tag Archives: Love
My niece and I on 4/11/2019!
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Positive Living
We can only be brave if we’re willing to be vulnerable. 👊
We can only be brave if we’re willing to be vulnerable. 👊
If we want a dream, we have to put ourselves out there to judgment, rejection, and hate. 👊
If we want love, we have to open ourselves to judgment, rejection, and heartbreak. 💔
Play it safe or go for it?
I say, “Go for it!” 😊
(I took this picture in Waikele, Hawaii on 3/14/2019)
#vulnerability #vulnerable #brave #dream #dreams #plans #strategy #vision #goal #goals #business #career #love #romance #life #passion #judgment #rejection #heartbreak #failure #playitsafe #goforit #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #thoughts #spilledthoughts #spilledink #hawaiiphotography
Waikele, Hawaii on March 14, 2019.
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Failure, Fiction, Goals, Life, Life Coach, Love, Movie, Music, Novels, Quotes, Stories, Success, Writing
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
Make our suffering strengthen our purpose!
Make our #suffering strengthen our purpose! 👊
We can be selfish with our suffering or we can be #loving with it. If we are selfish with our suffering, we get frustrated and angry and then blame people, events, and things for the pain we feel. When we are loving with our suffering, we embrace its painful power and use its energy to #improve ourselves and execute on our #goals and #vision for a better life and world. Once we boost ourselves with positive energy, we are able to help others and our environment. In turn, these people will help others like a domino effect that will cause the environment and culture to shift. One practice will destroy you, the other will #empower you.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#mindset #positivemindset #mentalhealth #health #psychology #positiveoutlook #anger #depression #purpose #selfimprovement #selfdevelopment #selfhelp #writing #books #quote #quotes #motivationalquotes #motivationalquotesoftheday #motivation #reader #betterlife #readingcommunity #love
Filed under Books, Career, Compassion, Creative Writing, Empathy, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspirational, Love, Mental Health, Motivational, Nonfiction, Positive Living, Psychiatry, Psychology, Writing
They find joy to lock you in jail. Unlock your mind with love and you’ll still sail.
You’re suffering because you’re attached.
They don’t know you.
They don’t know the facts.
Yet, they’ve already judged you.
Get ready for the smack.
Send them love, that’s your counterattack.
They find joy to lock you in jail.
Unlock your mind with love and you’ll still sail.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Poem, April 13, 2019 –
#poem #poems #poetry #creativewriting #writing #writer #author #novels #fiction #books #quote #quotes #mindset #positivemindset #mentalhealth #psychology #reader #readers #love #nonattachment #buddhism #endure #suffering #selfimprovement #selfdevelopment #loveyourself #chooseyourself
Filed under Motivational, Poems, 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
Get-together with my friends Jerry L. Chang and Dick Kim!
I only catch the #bus for #meetings. Yesterday was different. As usual, I do #work on my @samsungmobile #smartphone and @apple #macbook pro while riding the bus, but I was super excited because I was meeting with my friends Jerry L. Chang @mastif8 and Dick Kim for a get-together @shirokiyajvw !!! Jerry and I served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives together. He is also a real estate developer and former administrator for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. We have so much fun memories, especially our adventurous travels to other states and countries. He’s a great statesman and has so much positive energy. Jerry has been a huge mentor in my life!!! 😊
Dick is an import/export businessman doing trade between the United States and many countries. He is a very kind person, and I enjoy listening about how he sees opportunities in business. He has also influenced my life as such a positive and kind person!!! 😊
I’m so lucky to have wonderful experiences with great people like Jerry and Dick!!!
#friends #mentor #influencer #goodtimes #funtimes #memories #experiences #business #entrepreneurs #politics #politicians #happy #joy #love #lucky #happiness #mindfulness #mindful #gratitude #grateful #thankful #shirokiya #shirokiyavillagewalk
Filed under Food, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspirational, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Motivational, Positive Living, Quotes
Our mindset is everything!
Our mindset is everything. A positive mindset affects us tremendously and everyone we interact with. Here are 3 examples:
1. If we have a positive outlook, our problems are seen as challenges.
2. With a positive mindset, our bad events are interpreted as as our inciting incidents for our hero’s journey.
3. With an #empathic #practice, when people attack us, we look deeper in their souls and realize they are suffering within themselves, so we wish them to awaken to practices that can make them happier.
The list goes on and on.
My daily practices: positive mindset and music! I have my @bose #headphones on and rocking it!
Wishing you the best in your daily practice for a happier life!
With Warmest Aloha, Jon
#mindset #positivemindset #problems #challenges #badevent #incitingincident #empathy #suffering #anger #awakening #positive #practices #love #compassion #aloha #selfdevelopment #selfhelp #selfimprovement #bose
Filed under Uncategorized
I’m looking forward to the day when you’re here with me.
Up on top of this hill.
Can you hear me?
I picture you and how you used to talk to me.
I’m looking forward to the day when you’re here with me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Poem, 3/19/19 –
#poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #story #stories #storytelling #artist #art #book #books #love #missyou #loveyou #imissyou #iloveyou
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Love, Writing
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
Live the middle way. From the middle, we can see the light in every dark situation.
Live the middle way. From the middle, dark and light is one. From the middle, we can see everything, dark, light, and everything in between. If you can see the light in darkness, then you can be grateful in your darkest moments.
Humans are prone to judging others and experiences. From the middle, you don’t jump to conclusion that someone is either dark or light, good or bad. From the middle, you don’t jump to conclusion that an experience is dark or light, good or bad.
When a person lashes his or her anger at you, you’re tempted to label that person as a dark person. When you’re in the middle, you’ll see the light, in even the most hateful person. You go deeper and have empathy for that person who may have suffered deeply at the hands of others.
When you experience suffering, you may feel tempted to label it as darkness, which will drag you further down into sadness, frustration, and/or anger, all negative emotions that pushes away your happiness and negatively impacts everyone you interact with. From the middle, you’ll be able to see the light in even the most darkest of situations.
From the middle, suffering expands our gratitude practice by making us more present and aware of 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.
2 of my daily practices: the middle way and gratitude.
Waikele on the early morning of February 22, 2019.
#middleway #middle #practice #buddhism #light #dark #good #bad #empathy #compassion #love #grateful #gratitude #thankful #mindset #positivemindset #mentalhealth #health #staypositive #positivity #positiveliving #peace #innerpeace
Filed under Buddhism, Business, Career, Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Health, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Peace, Positive Living, 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
We’ll Rewrite the Pain We Know
Remove me from this world.
They can destroy themselves.
Let me sail away on a wave of music.
Her gentle voice calls me.
She says, “Here’s where we begin.”
“We’ll rewrite the pain we know.”
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Poem, 3/3/19 –
#poem #poems #poetry #writing #creativewriting
Filed under Creative Writing, Poems, Writing
Sending Love to Those Who Compare, Complain, & Hate.
I ran my 11th Great Aloha Run, an 8.15 mile race from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium! It felt nice to get out in the sun & run, one of my practices to lower my anxiety, stress, & any low feelings.
I recently lost my aunty, a really sweet & kind person. I’m still in shock & grieving. Her passing has hit me really hard.
Today, I got blasted by a blogger for my efforts on an aviation business project I’ve been working on w/ my business partners since 2015. It really hurts. My business partners & I have been working tirelessly w/ no pay for about 3.5 years. I’ve never been so poor in my life. For those business people who told me they lost or almost lost their home because of their sacrifice to build a service or product, I totally understand. There have been times where I’ve cried by myself, wondering why I put myself through such struggle. Yet my business partners & I keep working despite the pain because we have so much passion in what we do & believe in the potential it will provide for the community. The critics should try putting themselves out there & risk their money & time on business, politics, & the arts. Maybe they would feel empathetic for those who put their heart & soul on a value for others to use or enjoy. I don’t understand how humans can be so cold as to try & damage others & even desire suffering onto others. I invite my critics to spend a week with me as I draft documents, meet w/ community leaders, write fiction & nonfiction, read books & laws, create branding content for a restaurant, volunteer for a nonprofit, meditate, do my gratitude prayers, play with my little nieces & 2nd cousins, go through anxiety on my business projects, & face the deaths of people I love. Maybe then, they will see me. I hope by the end of that week, they can feel that I care for them to find happiness within themselves. Creating & working with others is much more upbeat & positive than always comparing, complaining, & hating. Heck, there is nothing positive w/ comparing, complaining, & hating. I wish these people love & happiness.
#empathy #compassion #business #politics #arts #entrepreneurship #critics #haters #exercise #anxiety #stressrelief #love #happiness
Filed under Business, Career, Compassion, Empathy, Entrepreneurship, Events, Exercise, Happiness, Life Coach, Writing
Support Tommy Waters for Honolulu City Council’s 2019 Special Election on April 13, 2019
After years of remaining silent, I’ve decided to speak up on compassionate candidates like Tommy Waters @friendsoftommywaters for elected and appointed office. Unfortunately, power attracts some people who resort to anger, tantrums, and vindictiveness in our government, whether they be politicians, judges, or appointed officials. The only way to attain peace in our world is for all of us to attain peace within ourselves, especially with our leaders.
Tommy Waters @friendsoftommywaters cares for us. I know this from my experience with him when we served together in the Hawaii House of Representatives and when he was my opposing counsel in court. Know that even with difficult decisions, he puts all of his heart in. I saw this when he served as House Judiciary Chair, a position I served after him. Tommy is focused on providing value for us, not power. I’m getting a bit teary-eyed writing this because I know the struggles and attacks within politics and law, an area I once had great passion for. We really need good people like Tommy Waters, thus please vote for him on April 13, 2019!
#tommywaters #honolulucitycouncil #citycouncil #politics #politician #law #hawaiikai #waikiki #diamondhead #ainahaina #easthonolulu #honolulu #election #specialelection #love #compassion #empathy #vote
Repost @friendsoftommywaters (@get_repost)
・・・
Good morning!
#LeadershipWithAloha #HonoluluCityCouncil
Like You, I’m a Wreck
Like you, I’m a wreck.
Playing the same song for days.
Scared of the unknown.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem No. 210, 12/24/2018 –
Sometimes, only those who go through the same struggle you’re going through, understand what it feels like. Think of that person out there, and send that person your best wishes. You’re not alone.
#haiku #haikupoems #haikupoetry #haikupoem #poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #poemoftheday #creativewriting #writing #writer #spilledthoughts #spilledink #quote #quotes #healingquotes #mentalhealth #mindset #positivemindset #notalone #journeyoflife #thinkofothers #bestwishes #wellwishes #youcandoit #love
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Quotes, Writing
There’s Only One Moon
Shine my light on you.
It’s okay to be alone.
There’s only one moon.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem No. 208, 12/24/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #dailyhaiku #poems #poems #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetryporn #alone #lonely #lonelynights #moon #love #lovequotes #quotes #quote #writing #writingcommunity #romance #romanticquotes #lovestory #spilledink #spilledthoughts #selflove #thinkingofyou
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
The Public Doesn’t Know You Like I Do
I dedicate the following poem to all of the politicians, entrepreneurs, and entertainers who are filled with love, compassion, and empathy who are facing the darkness that leaches around power:
You do what you do because you want to make this world better.
But when you get there, you’re judged, criticized, and taken down.
Your work for the community gets overshadowed by whether or not your personal life is stable or broken.
They get excited when you make any mistakes or are just near any mistakes.
They don’t care if you were wronged by other powers out to get you.
They label you when they don’t know the truth.
They smile when they prepare the chains.
I saw the tears in your eyes – you don’t have to hide them.
I know how much you care for others.
The public doesn’t know you like I do.
I just want you to know, that my love is here for you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Poem, 12/20/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #creativewriting #writing #writer #writers #author #authors #politicians #entrepreneurs #entertainers #love #compassion #empathy #power
Filed under Career, Creative Writing, Poems, Writing
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
Sunset with my niece and mom in San Diego, California
My mom, niece, and I at our Airbnb in San Diego, California on 10/16/2018. We are enveloped by the warm glow of the sunset.
Having some sunlight a day helps us produce Vitamin D, which assists us in having strong bones and prevents cancer. It also helps us better our mood, combatting depression since studies have shown a correlation with Vitamin D deficiency and depression. Just don’t overdo it, which can harm your skin.
So enjoy some time in the sun to get Vitamin D. I enjoy going to the beach to swim and watching sunsets. Take care.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#vitamind #health #mentalhealth #sun #sunrays #sunset #strongbones #bones #preventcancer #cancer #fightdepression #depression #quote #quotes #family #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #love #joy #happy #happiness #airbnb #sandiego #california
Filed under Positive Living, Writing
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
Scott & Makiko’s Wedding
Congratulations to my friend Scott and Makiko on their marriage! I enjoyed their wedding reception at Cafe Julia in Honolulu, Hawaii on 11/17/2018. Wishing them good health and happiness!
#friend #friends #wedding #cafejulia #honolulu #hawaii #fun #gratitude #happy #happiness #love
I dedicate this poem to my friend Scott & Makiko!
Pull me into you.
Blending feelings with flavor.
Pulsating pleasure.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #118, 3/25/2018 –
I dedicate this poem to my friend Scott Imaye who got married to Makiko at Oahu, Hawaii today, November 17, 2018. Scott, a Hawaii boy has been working as an attorney in Tokyo, Japan mainly doing work on deals between U.S. and Japanese companies. He met Makiko in Japan. I’m so happy for them!
#haiku #haikupoems #poem #poems #poetry #creativewriting #writing #writer #quote #quotes #quoteoftheday #lovequotes #lovegram #lovestory #romance #romantic #love #relationships #sexy #hotness #hot #lovenotes #lovemessage #lovepoems #lovestories
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Poems, Writing
Feel You Feeling Me
When you call my name,
you don’t have to admit it.
Feel you feeling me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #193, 11/14/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #poem #poems #poetry #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Poems, Writing
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
Fear My Tiger Eyes
Fear my tiger eyes.
Closer to biting my prize.
I got a good vibe.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #187, 10/30/2018 –
When we have a vision of a better life and better world, we must eye it down like a tiger does its prey with patience until we execute and taste our vision and goals. I love tigers because I’m born in the year of the tiger.
#haiku #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #creativewriting #writing #vision #goals #tiger #focus #determination #patience #tenacity #live #love #career #business #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
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
A smile to a stranger goes a long way.
I ran 5 miles in Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii on Monday October 29, 2018 at about 2:00 P.M. I ran up the hill to the upper part of Waikele. At the top, I smiled and waved to a female professional groundskeeper who was working on the front area of a house on the main street with her co-workers, a man and another woman. Their white van was parked on the driveway that stuck out onto the sidewalk. A little surprised, her serious face turned into a smile, and she waved back.
When I reached the house again on my second lap, I had slowed down into a walk, resulting from me being out of shape and the heat from the intense humidity. The same lady went out of the way to meet me on the street. “Did you run around? she asked with a beaming smile.
“Yes,” I answered.
“How many miles is it?”
“It’s about 2 miles.” The neighborhood block contains several planned communities within Waikele and about 40% of the Waikele Premium Outlets, which is about 2.5 miles to go around.
“Have a good one!” she cheered.
“Thank you!” Her happy energy pumped me up to get back into a run.
I stopped by the Waikele Community Park to drink water from a water faucet near the swimming pool. As I walked out into the parking lot, I saw the lady again in the driver seat of a the white van with her colleagues inside. They were parked in a stall near the grass of the park.
Upon eye contact, we enthusiastically waved at each other with laughter.
I put my hand by my mouth like it was half of a megaphone. “I’m following you!” I joked.
She laughed and made a running motion with her arms and upper body. “I want to run like you,” she said.
“Have a good day!” I told her. Happy, I was again motivated to run the last part of the way home.
This was one of only three people I spoke to that day and it made my day!
When I got home, I was even more happier when I found out entrepreneur James Altucher liked one of my haiku pictures I posted about going within ourselves to build, explore, and create. Plus, earlier that day, a business partner of mine from Kona, Hawaii emailed my a nice message, following up on a great meeting we had last Thursday at Starbucks in Waikele. All this positive energy is motivating me to finish my 3rd edits/4th draft of my 2nd novel, a historical, suspense, and romance based in Baghdad, Iraq during the U.S. occupation.
Everyday we can spread love through a smile!
#exercise #run #running #training #marathon #honolulumarathon #smile #greet #stranger #groundskeeper #entrepreneur #jamesaltucher #business #aviation #partner #writing #novel #book #honolulumarathonshirt #asics #asicskayano #bose #bosesoundsport #waikele #oahu #hawaii #happy #happiness #joy #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #love
Filed under Compassion, Gratitude, Happiness, Positive Living, Writing
Go Within and Build
Go within and build.
People and things won’t fill us up.
Explore and create.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #177, 10/8/2018 –
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Positive Living, Writing
Isolation
I love this song “Beggars in the House of Plenty” by Generationals. The video has nice footage of a U.S. Senate committee hearing led by the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii. Hawaii and the United States isn’t the same without him. I miss my grandparents; the 100th Battalion & 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II that my great uncle Roy Okubo was a member of who fought against fascism overseas and racism in America; the members of the 1954 Democratic Revolution who changed the discriminatory laws in Hawaii; the late Hawaii State Senator, 442 veteran, attorney & my mentor Nadao “Najo” Yoshinaga; and all my friends of this great generation.
Tired of the vindictiveness of policymakers, judges and haters, and to stay away from alcohol since I’m a social drinker, I isolated myself from anything public for 3.5 years whether it be charities, politics, or social gatherings. I’m slowly becoming involved with public service again by supporting some of my positive friends who need to be in government to keep the negative people out of power who will feed into the hate and anger that is being taught to the younger generations. It’s hard to stay away from politics, my second love after soccer. It’s a love that will never die.
Like the song says, isolation is a two-way street. We all need it sometimes to look within ourselves, to find ways to better ourselves and the world. When we make our comeback we’ll crush anything before us with all the might of love, compassion, and empathy.
#generationals #beggarsinthehouseofplenty #band #music #song #politics #government #politicians #judges #haters #isolation #comeback #crushit #poems #quotes #business #entrepreneur #aviation #businesslaw #concerts #books #novels #movies #love #compassion #empathy #innerpeace #peace
Spark Them Up With Love
Spark them up with love.
All one needs is a flicker.
It will light the way.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #179, 10/10/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art #love #hope #spark #light #support #encouragement
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Uncategorized
Find Out or Wonder
Can’t see past the arc.
Go for something or nothing.
Find out or wonder.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #176, 10/7/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #quote #writing #creativewriting #novels #fiction #risk #chance #plan #goal #determination #goforit #selfdevelopment #improvement #life #business #career #love #relationship
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 