A Dream Within a Dream

As I was going about my day, I reflected on my life so far.  I must say, it has been a good life and I appreciate it so much.  I was an artist, a top chess competitor, an athlete, a professional musician, a model, a student and graduate of a pretigious university, an administrator and a site manager of a top educational program.  Now, I'm an entrepenuer, a community advocate, a business professional, a traveler, an explorer and an author.  What I inspire to become is a philanthropist, a prominent leader, an influential motivational speaker, a financial guru, a best seller and a household name.  It's a blessing to know that my efforts in life have been progessive in my contribution to the world.  I'm excited about the future.  The present constantly unfolds and it's up to me to untap my potential.

What prompted me to reflect was an advertisement I was revising for the 42nd UC Open Taekwondo Championships.  It's a national level competition, held annually at UC Berkeley, that is well known in the US and the world.  Thanks to the wonderful coaching and training from my team captain, Jason Han and the rest of the Cal team, I was able to medal in full contact, black belt sparring competition two years in a row at the UC Open.  They're also a major reason I was able to win 11 medals at national, state, regional and collegiate championships.  The following year after I stopped competing, I designed the front cover of the magazine for the tournament.  Now, a decade later, I am placing an ad in the program book.  This is one of many examples of life coming full circle, on some level.

I am fascinated on how my life up until now are pieces to a puzzle that's leading to a masterpiece.  Without me playing chess, I would not be associated with those who desire higher education.  Without such friends, I would not have attended UC Berkeley.  Without attending to UC Berkeley, I would not have fought on the collegiate taekwondo team. Without the martial art program and collegiate team, I would not have explored my artistic side.  Without exploring my artistic consciousness, I would not have come across my professional music endeavor.  Also, at this point in my life, I would not have come across the friend who will introduce me to a business that has taken me to many parts of the world.  And finally without my business, I would not be placing an ad in the UC Open magazine.  Of course, there are many more connections for other parts of my life, though I believe my point is made.

As I closed my eyes and meditated this afternoon, I visualized myself re-living my life up until now.  It seems like a dream or even a different life altogether.  I know I was there but it doesn't feel like I was at this present moment.  I then envisioned my future and ways it could happen. If I am a successful entrepenuer, for example, I can give back in more ways than I do now.  I can design a music studio and a martial art room for myself in my dream beach house.  I can truly say "thank you" to my mom and dad for raising me, by allowing them to never worry about money or any sense of lack.  I can make a name for myself, by giving all my money away to all the right causes and the right people before I leave this planet.  It sure will be something.