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
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
When I eat, I do my best to be #present and enjoy the #flavors of my #meal. I’m #grateful for being able to #experience it and #thankful for the #efforts of the #chefs and #staff in preparing the meal.
Here’s a close-up on the #hamachi #sashimi I had a week ago or so @magurobrothershawaii in Chinatown, #honolulu #hawaii .
My daily practices: #mindfulness & #gratitude .
#mindful #hawaiieats #hawaiifood #hawaiirestaurant #japanesefood #japanesecuisine #hawaiilife #oahueats #honolulueats #selfdevelopment #selfimprovement #selfhelp #peace #innerpeace
Filed under Food, Gratitude, Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Peace, Positive Living, Quotes
When I was younger, I often skipped breakfast and went straight to work. Now, I do my best to eat breakfast. Here are some of the benefits:
I’m pictured here on the morning of Tuesday March 19, 2019. I had just awakened with puffed up and uncombed hair. I’m holding my bowl with oatmeal and sliced banana. These foods are very beneficial for us, which I’ll go over in future posts.
My daily practices: breakfast, mindfulness, and gratitude!
Have yourself a wonderful breakfast so you can attack your day with a healthy mind and body!
With Warmest Aloha, Jon
#breakfast #meal #firstmeal #food #energy #morning #routine #habits #practices #practice #health #metabolism #weight #mentalhealth #mind #body #productivity #concentration #memory #body #oatmeal #banana #mindful #mindfulness #grateful #thankful #gratitude
Filed under Food, Gratitude, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Productivity, Writing
The public access room at the Hawaii State Capitol is my office when I’m there. Grateful for those who created this service for the public for as long as I can remember, dating back to when I was volunteering for my friend when he was a State Representative, the late U.S. Congressman K. Mark Takai while I was Vice President of the #studentgovernment at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
My daily #practices : #mindfulness and #gratitude
#hawaiistatecapitol #publicaccess #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #thankful #gratitude #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice #office #pc #computer @apple #macbookpro #workonthego #hustle #grind #law #lawmaking #business #entrepreneurship #governmentaffairs #government #privatepublicpartnership #honolulu #hawaii #oahu #dailypractice
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Laptop, Law, Mindfulness, Motivation, Productivity
Just my soul and I.
We talk and laugh.
Sometimes we cry.
We travel to the heavens with visions.
Clips of action of what could be.
We don’t need much.
Only ideas on how to get there.
Because we’re relentless in getting there.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Poem, 3/17/19 –
#poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #writing #writings #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #fiction #nonfiction #novel #novels #book #books #quote #quotes #motivational #inspirational #emotions #selfdevelopment #selfimprove #selfhelp #mindset #positivemindset #lookwithin #mentalhealth #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #thankful #gratitude
Filed under Blog, Books, Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Journal, Life, Life Coach, Mental Health, Motivation, Motivational, Nonfiction, Novels, Poems, Quotes, Writing
Here’s two strategies I use for my productivity: (1) Grow your hair long and cut it when you finish some of your goals; and/or (2) Have your sibling or siblings or an immediate family member have children because you will watch very closely how fast they grow up, which will make you work harder to get things done.
We can grow our hair long anytime. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager, even when I was a politician and government attorney. As for our loved ones having children, well, this is a bit more tricky. Have fun with this strategy!
Here are pictures of my 10-month old niece and I with our long bangs on October 20, 2018 in San Mateo, California.
Crush all your goals my friends!!!
#productivity #strategy #growyourhair #longhair #bangs #children #family #time #tracktime #hustle #grind #work #career #business #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #attorney #law #job #mindfulness #mindful #gratitude #grateful #thankful #happy #happiness #vision #goals #dreams #execute
Filed under Business, Career, Community, Consistency, Creative Writing, Creativity, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Events, Exercise, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational, Life, Life Coach, Motivation, Motivational, Nonfiction, Novels, Positive Living, Productivity, Quotes, Success, Training, Writing
I’m a strong believer in having a positive mindset in order to be happier and more fulfilled in life. In this post, I would like to point out the importance of us having a growth mindset, which is believing that our abilities and intelligence can be developed. We can develop our knowledge and skills by reading and practicing everyday. The more we work on our knowledge and skills, the better we get. If we keep up this daily practice, over time, we may attain the knowledge and become very good at the skills we envisioned ourselves achieving.
I like to schedule in my Google calendar blocks of time to learning and building skills and I color code them according to the subject matter. I count each 30-minute period of learning or practicing as a “win” in my Count My Wins program I created for myself. This program gives me a natural high from the happy chemicals released when I finish each 30-minute self-development session. I’m a very curious person so I push myself even in areas I’m unfamiliar with. I really want to become a better person mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Have fun in your self-development! Crush it!
3 of my daily practices: growth mindset, mindfulness, and gratitude.
(I took a picture of these plants and trees in Waikele, Hawaii on March 12, 2019. They represent growth in our growth mindset practice. I’m always mindful of the beauty around me. I’m grateful to experience such simple pleasures.)
#growthmindset #learn #read #skills #skillset #skillsets #practice #practices #dailypractice #habits #selfdevelop #mind #body #soul #positivemindset #mindset #mindfulness #mindful #gratitude #grateful #thankful #trees #plants #sky #simplepleasures
Filed under Books, Buddhism, Business, Career, Compassion, Consistency, Creative Writing, Empathy, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Events, Exercise, Fiction, Goals, Gratitude, Haiku, Health, Law, Life Coach, Love, Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Music, Novels, Peace, Politics, Positive Living, Productivity, Promoter, Psychiatry, Psychology, Quotes, Romance, Sports, Stories, Study, Success, Technology, Writing
Technology has made it easier for us to produce and consume. When I started an Internet retail store selling Hawaiian themed products back in 2002, customers were increasingly becoming more comfortable on buying products online. Now, it’s a part of our lifestyle. It’s such an exciting time where we don’t need offices and brick and mortar stores. We can bypass the gatekeepers and provide value straight to the consumers. We can research and learn online. We can produce content and services on our computers. We can communicate with one another in many ways. It’s also a great time for artists and entrepreneurs to disrupt markets and be found. I just love this time period and it will keep getting better!
In this picture, I was working on my @apple Macbook Pro in the lounge of a hotel on March 6, 2019 before my lunch meeting with a law client in regards to business contracts and business documents. Isn’t this lounge and all the plants beautiful!
I’m so grateful for technology and all of my technology toys for work! They make the hustle fun!
My daily practice: mindfulness and gratitude!
#technology #internet #online #apple #macbookpro #laptop #computer #workanywhere #law #businesslaw #transactionallaw #contractlaw #agreements #contracts #attorney #lawyer #business #entrepreneur #waikiki #oahu #honolulu #hawaii #hustle #grind #work #fun #mindfulness #mindful #gratitude #grateful
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Laptop, Law, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Motivation, Productivity, Quotes, Writing
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
I took a picture of the half moon in downtown Honolulu after an event while waiting for the bus to go to my next event on the early evening of February 12, 2019. The view looked even more beautiful in person! Being present has made me more appreciative of the beauty around me.
Second, I’m super grateful for the terrific bus system in Honolulu, Hawaii. I told Mayor Kirk Caldwell at the event that The Bus is awesome!
He replied, “Jon, it was always awesome!”
“I didn’t get to experience how awesome it is until now!” I said. Not driving a vehicle for a year has made me super grateful of public transportation. I can’t wait to use the rail, which I voted in support of when I was a politician in the Hawaii State Legislature.
Two of my daily practices: mindfulness and gratitude!!! Crush it my friends!!!
#mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindful #moon #halfmoon #architecture #towers #beautiful #bus #publictransportation #business #politics #events #businessevents #work #honolulu #hawaii #oahu #lessismore #appreciative #lovelife
Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Events, Gratitude, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Writing
I enjoy the beauty of clouds! Since I’m always walking to places, I often look up at the sky. Here’s one I took a picture of as I walked to Waikele Premium Outlets @waikelepo , heading to Starbucks @waikelestarbucks to work on 2/5/19. I like the contrast of light and shadows off of the white clouds before a backdrop of blue skies! It’s so soothing for our soul.
#clouds #sunrays #blueskies #light #shadows #photography #photo #picture #nature #art #beautiful #peaceful #waikelepremiumoutlets #waikele #oahu #hawaii #hawaiilife #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #gratitude
Filed under Mindfulness, Nature, Positive Living
Happy Birthday to my friend Itoko!!! She had the Polar Bear Shave Ice @minorihawaii Minori Craft Japanese Tavern, which she wanted to try for awhile since the restaurant was Tsukada Nojo.
#minoricraftjapanesetavern #birthday #happybirthday #celebration #restaurant #japaneserestaurant #hawaiirestaurant #shaveice #dessert #happy #happyday #friends #friendship #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful
Filed under Food, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Live Events, Mindfulness
This afternoon, January 26, 2019, I attended the funeral of my friend and long-time member of Jodo Mission of Hawaii, Mrs. Yoshiko Kitagawa that was held at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Mrs. Kitagawa was a friend of my late grandparents Maurice (passed away in 1992) and Bessie (passed away in 1996) Karamatsu. As President of Jodo Mission of Hawaii, I represented the organization in placing incense at the front of the service.
Mrs. Kitagawa passed away on December 15, 2018 at the age of 99. She was born in Wailuku, Hawaii. She is the founder of L&L restaurant, which was sold to Eddie Flores. Mrs. Kitagawa is survived by her sons, Hiram, Eric; daughters, Mary Lim, Dianne Douglas (Ashley), Audrey Kitagawa (Dr. Gary Umeda); grandsons, Ian Douglas, Kai Melton-Kitagawa.
For the last 3 decades, I would see Mrs. Kitagawa at Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s services and events. For awhile in the last 8 years, she would playfully ask me when I was going to find a girl and settle down. I enjoyed my chats with her. I will miss her.
#funeral #friend #jodomissionofhawaii #jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodoshu #buddhism #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #mindful #grateful #gratitude #thankful
Filed under Buddhism, Friends, Gratitude, Mindfulness
I attended the Opening Day of the 2019 Hawaii State Legislature on Wednesday January 16, 2019. This is a photo I took from the third floor of the Hawaii State Capitol. 🏛
My business partners and I are working to build facilities, infrastructure, and services for private jets at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (“KOA”), which will create jobs and revenue for Hawaii island and the State of Hawaii. Further, our entities are helping the State on improvements they want in their KOA master plan. 🛫
Further, my other business partner and I passed out coupon fliers for our client Minori Craft Japanese Tavern @minorihawaii , a Japanese restaurant located near the Hawaii Convention Center at 1731 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. 🥢
It was nice to see old friends and colleagues when I served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010. I also got to meet recently elected politicians and new friends. 😊
Even though I’ve been trying to live quietly and alone for about 3.75 years, I still have the passion and love for playing a small role in Hawaii’s future, now entirely through the private and nonprofit sectors. To all my friends I saw hustling to make Hawaii better, thank you! 🤗
#hawaiistatelegislature #hawaiistatecapitol #politics #politicians #representatives #senators #colleagues #friends #oldfriends #newfriends #business #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #aviation #jets #privatejets #fixedbaseoperator #kona #airport #restaurant #japaneserestaurant #honolulu #hawaii #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #optimistic #lovehawaii
Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Goals, Law, Restaurant
My niece and I on 10/21/2018 in the Bay Area, California.
#family #lovedones #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #memories #experiences
This is how I woke up on Christmas day 2018. I slept in my nieces’ playroom. I really enjoyed Christmas with my family! I hope you had a good time as well!
Let’s end 2018 with all we’ve got! Let’s work on our goals in the last days of December with passion! Let’s add up our daily wins at the end of 2018, which should be a at least a couple thousand. Also, let’s write our 2019 resolutions, amend our life goals, amend our vision board (physical or digital) and attack more daily goals in the new year!
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#christmas #christmasday #holidayseason #goals #vision #determined #driven #focused #newyear #resolutions #newyearresolution #tenacity #patience #mindful #mindfulness #grateful #gratitude #mindset #positivemindset #anythingispossible #believe #health #relationships #business #career #entrepreneurship #lifegoals #visionboard
Filed under Uncategorized
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
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
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
I ran my 11th Honolulu Marathon on Sunday December 9, 2018.
#honolulumarathon #marathon #marathons #marathoner #running #run #runner #exercise #gratitude #grateful #thankful #mindful #mindfulness #accomplishment #goal #goals #health #mentalhealth #mindset #happy
2018 Honolulu Marathon
2018 Honolulu Marathon.
Filed under Exercise, Goals, Gratitude, Motivation
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
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 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
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! 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.
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!
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
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 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 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.
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
Something’s happening.
A feeling, a buzz-like high.
The light will push through.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #138, 6/27/2018 –
No matter how hard life gets, whether it be financial hardship, a death of a loved one, or a broken heart, we have to do our best to see all the good we have in our life. Day by day as we work at our projects, we get better and a bit closer to our dreams. In person and through social media, we can support one another. We’re in this together.
I took this picture in Waikele, Hawaii on 10/30/2018.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon
#haiku #haikus #dailyhaiku #poem #poems #poetry #poet #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #novels #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #business #career #motivational #motivationalquote #mentalhealth #thinkpositive #positivemindset #inittogether #youcandoit #goforit #goforbroke #gratitude #thankful #mindful #mindfulness
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Empathy, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivational, Poems, Writing
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
Fire up your hate.
You can’t crush what you can’t catch.
Speeding to the light.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #173, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art #anger #hate #light #love #compassion #empathy #joy #mindset #positive #positivemindset #mentalhealth #positivity #positiveliving #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
You are so precious.
Don’t ever think otherwise.
Flowers bloom from dirt.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #157, 9/18/2018 –
I dedicate this poem to all of you. Keep your heads up!!! The flowers are from the farmers market in Hilo, Hawaii on 9/22/2018.
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #quote #quotes #art #creativewriting #writing #books #novels #nonfiction #love #life #positivemindset #mentalhealth #positivelife #positiveliving #joy #happiness #mindfulness #gratitude #flowers #orchids #hilo #hawaii
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
The children of a neverending summer jumping off a stepladder into the ocean. As adults, life can come at us hard. Children remind us to live in the present moment. They clearly define mindfulness by the way they live. Beautiful Haleiwa, Hawaii with my friend Mike who added comments on the moment. We reminisced when we were children. We could relate on how these children felt, not wanting the moment to end, playing until the last drop of sunlight.
#children #beach #ocean #sunset #clouds #mindfulness #gratitude #haleiwa #hawaii
Filed under Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living
I’ve always been racing against time. Sometimes, I just need to pause and taste it. Death will keep coming for us. Every now and then, we need to laugh at it.
#time #life #death #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #goforbroke
Filed under Gratitude, Life, Mindfulness
Just got cake pops from my Starbucks sister who was just adopted by my Starbucks mother. Lol!
#cakepops #starbucks #afterhours
#friends #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Friends, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Didn’t sleep much. Replaced the lights and cleaned my 55-gallon tank in the early morning. Got several Neon Tetras in it.
#fishtank #aquarium #freshwateraquarium #55gallontank #tropicalfish #fish #neontetras #pets #therapy #peace #innerpeace #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Gratitude, Mindfulness, Pets
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Hawaii, Mindfulness, Motivation, Writing
No pill can pack all the health benefits of exercise. It’s good for our mind and body. My favorite is running outdoors. I’ve enjoyed running since my days playing soccer.
#exercise #running #run #outdoors #health #mind #body #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness
Filed under Exercise, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living
I picked a flower.
It’s all I have at this time.
The rest is bonus.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #147, 8/11/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
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
I stood on the top of the ridge and admired the beautiful green trees swaying far below with the wind. The last of the blue skies were painted over with shades of gray. Ahead, dark clouds were sweeping in like an angry predator. They swallowed peak after peak and kept coming for me.
I calmly inserted my headphones in my ears and played my favorite song. The happy tune brought me a smile. My time here would be over soon, but I was content. All that came to my mind was my mom, dad, sisters, nieces, family, and my closest friends. It’s funny how we spend much of our lives building so much, pushing through all the problems and terrible people that seemed so important to do back then. Yet, in the last moments of our lives, all we think about are the ones who really mattered. Memories of joy with them came blasting in like a movie in fast forward. You see their faces and then you’re gone.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 7/25/2018 –
#creativewriting #writing #peace
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Family, Friends, Gratitude, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Writing
Working after a breakfast meeting at Waikele Country Club. Such a relaxing location!
#work #business #law #macbookpro #macbook #laptop #waikelecountryclub #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Signs of peace. Rays of light coming down as I flash my peace sign.
#signsofpeace #raysoflight #rays #peace #innerpeace #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Love, Mindfulness
This evening I walked 1.5 mile to Office Depot in Waikele to buy printer cartridges, then ran 2.5 miles. Love my Bose Soundsport. Grateful for my Nike shirt from my sister Lara. My shoes, Asics Kayano. Visor, Nike. Exercise plays a big role in maintaining my physical and mental health.
#exercise #walking #running #nike #shirt #visor #asics #kayano #shoes #bose #bosesoundsport #health #physicalhealth #mentalhealth #positivemindset #mindfulness #gratitude #waikele #hawaii
Filed under Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Love is the way to go.
#love #peace #innerpeace #hawaii #mindset #positivemindset #mindfulness
Filed under Love, Peace, Positive Living
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 