The Tao of Jun

We all go through difficult times. But we can choose to either go through them, or to grow through them. The Bible says to “be of good cheer.” I don’t think it’s talking about being of good cheer during good times. Because that’s not even worth mentioning. I believe the author was talking about difficult times. Be of good cheer during the bad times when things aren’t working out, and challenges seem insurmountable. That’s the time to be of good cheer. That shows courage, and strength of character. We can either go through difficult times or we can grow through them. Remember, with each new level comes a new Devil. You’re leveling up! So be of good cheer, my fellow adventurers 👊

I watched a movie recently called Unknown, starring Liam Neeson. It was in my opinion, a perfect illustration of how powerful our self image is, and how everything can change, just by changing the way we see ourselves.

When you only do what’s easy, your life will be hard. But if you are willing to do what’s hard, your life will be easy

“Successful people do what unsuccessful people don’t like to do. The obvious question is, what is it that unsuccessful people don’t like to do? Turns out, it’s the same thing that successful people don’t like doing either. The only difference is, they do it anyways.” Brian Tracy

I’ve been a loser, and overweight, my whole life. I’ve been broke, and have been dealing with financial trouble, my whole life. I’ve been through a divorce, failed businesses, and I have experienced several bouts of depression.

At 41 years old, I am now in the best shape of my life! I feel healthy and strong! I’m feeling happy and hopeful for the future! My finances are finally in order, and I no longer have anxiety about my financial future.

It was a gradual change over the past few months. But by following 3 simple rules that I made for myself, every single day, I now see the positive results. I hope by sharing my 3 rules, it will inspire you to come up with your own 3 rules.

You don’t have to use mine, but I am happy to share them if you’d like to use them for yourself. I hope they serve you as well as they have me. I honor the light in you, that is also in me 🙏🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼

I totally meant to record a serious and helpful podcast episode. But maybe it’s the excitement of being back… because this was a rambling mess 🤦🏻‍♂️😅🤷🏻‍♂️ Oh well. Maybe next episode will be better. What can I say… I’m rusty! 😂🤣🤣

I’d like to share a dream I had that really helped illustrate my need to feel accepted. Craving the good opinion of others. And why I need to let it go. 🙏🏼

If you do a favor for someone and you tell them the difficulty you experienced in helping them, the favor is now ruined. It’s like giving a gift with the price tag still on it. If you help someone, do it because you want to do it. Not because you want the recognition. Do it, or don’t do it. But don’t complain. It ruins the gift 👍🏼

Arguments happen in every relationship. The important thing to focus on is “why are we arguing?” What are we trying to accomplish by winning the argument? When we argue simply to win, we usually end up losing that relationship. When we argue to try to understand each other better, the relationship becomes stronger and more meaningful. I’m not arguing that we should never argue. I believe that arguments can be very healthy to a relationship. It really depends on HOW we argue and WHY we argue.

Not having enough money is one of my greatest fears.

Maybe because I grew up being poor, but it’s the kind of fear that cripples me. Yesterday was my birthday. My daughters are in town staying with me, and I’m completely broke! I felt depressed, scared and ashamed of myself. But then I realized that this is just a test that life has set up for me. It was a wonderful opportunity to face my greatest fear and confront it head on! What I came to realize at the end of the day is that regardless of how much or how little I may have, I always have everything I need to be happy.

Yesterday turned out to be a great day! I don’t have to be great, or do great things. I just have to do my best to have a great day, and that’s enough. There’s so much value in having a great day, no matter what your situation may be. We all have it in us to change our perspective. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Dr Wayne Dyer

It’s 2022, can you believe it?! I just wanted to check in with everyone, and see how your new year is going so far. This year, 2022, feels different… Doesn’t it?

I thought it would be a good idea to go fishing today on Lake Lanier. So I took my canoe and almost got stuck out there in a wind storm!!! This was supposed to be relaxing! 🤦🏻‍♂️😅🤣 In the end though, it worked out better than I could’ve imagined 🙏🏼 Merry Christmas, everyone!!! 🎄

In my opinion, the only way we avoid destroying each other and the planet is to work together on problems that are affecting the planet 🌎🤗🙏🏼 🙅🏻‍♂️🐴🆚🐘❌

“I believe that the purpose of life is to experience it.” Annabelle Yun (10 Years Old)

On Monday, October 25th, I fell asleep behind the wheel and slammed into an empty SUV at 70 mph on my way home from Tennessee. I don’t know how or why, but I walked away from that accident with no injuries. I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful to be alive 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

I’m going on a 3-Day hunting trip over the Halloween weekend!!! 🎃👻🌲 I’m going to try to catch a wild boar 🐗 with my bow and arrow 🏹🙌🏼👊🏼

All alone for 2 nights, and 3 days at the Redlands Wildlife Management Area (WMA). I’m so excited and scared at the same time! It’s beautiful out there, but it’s also difficult and dangerous. It’s possible that I may get seriously injured out there, or even possibly die. But it’s also possible that I might just have the experience of a lifetime, and actually catch a wild boar!!!

It’s all possible! I don’t want to allow the fear of what could happen stop me from having the experience of what will actually happen!

What is your personal Quest? What hobby or activity gets you excited? Perhaps it’s time to slay that dragon that you’ve avoided all your life. 👊🏼

In this episode I wanted to make it special because this is the 150th episode of The Tao of Jun!!! 👏🥳🙌🏼 So I invited a special guest, Amanda Sabet.

Amanda is one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met; tirelessly working to help pet groomers become more respected in the public eye. She’s already done so much to help elevate the dog grooming industry’s standards - along with it’s public perception - by creating the GA Professional Pet Groomers Association (GPPGA, a nonprofit organization).

I got a chance to speak with her, and learn what drives her and keeps her motivated to keep going even when things seem hopeless. When it seems like not only does nobody care, everyone hates me for trying. How do you keep going? What motivates you to continue on and keep fighting the good fight?

It turns out, she is motivated by love. The Love that Amanda has for each individual dog that she grooms is what has kept her so motivated to make a positive change in our industry all these years.

I’m so grateful that I got a chance to hear a little bit of her story, and I’m so happy to share it with you. “Changing her world one dog at a time.” 🙏🏼

This one is for my dedicated and supportive listeners 🙈😅👊🏼

After having an insightful conversation with my friend Andre, I’ve decided not to move to Alaska next year. I’m going to stay… and deal with my problems. I don’t want to run away from them anymore.

“There is a difference between being broke and being poor. Being broke is a temporary economic situation, but being poor is disabling frame of mind, and a depressed condition of one's spirit, and we must all vow to never, ever be poor again.”
John Hope Bryant

I’m driving up to Tennessee to camp with my dogs this weekend. My daughter is turning 13, and I wanted to make sure our dogs are there to help her celebrate 🎉

“If I want to be free, I’ve got to be me. Not the me you think I should be, not the me I think my wife thinks I should be, not the me I think my kids think I should be. If I want to be free, I’ve got to be me so I better know who me is.” Bill Gove

You gotta do it for you in order to effectively help others.

It’s a privilege and a pleasure to check in with you all 🙏🏼

Always do the right thing... even if it’s done reluctantly.

By developing the habit of not avoiding difficult things, my life has changed in ways I could’ve never imagined. Don’t avoid the difficult things in life. Lean into them! Accept them! Embrace them! They will forge your character into an unstoppable force that commands the respect of others. Because you will have earned your own Self-Respect. It’s the only way. Do the Difficult Thing. 👊🏼💪🏼🙌🏼

In this episode I’m trying something new. Something I’ve never tried before. I am sharing an idea that I have for a short story that I’ve been meaning to write. I’ve been tossing the idea around in my head for about four years now. I’ve told it to a few people, and they all seemed to really like it. So here it goes... I hope you like it too 🙏🏼

“Be impeccable with your word” Don Miguel Ruiz

I’m on Alexander’s Lake at Panola Mountain State Park, directly across from the archery range. Everything is just fine 💯👌🙏🏼

Let’s be real.

I spent the day hiking with my dogs at Fort Yargo State Park yesterday, and slept with them in a tent last night. Then I groomed them in front of the lake, right beside our campfire. We played at the dog park this afternoon, and now I'm headed to the archery range at Panola Mountain Archery Range 🏹 Live YOUR life the way YOU want to live it. Without apology, fear or comparison. 💯🙌👊

"No matter what, my babies... life STILL RIPS!" 🤘🔥👊 Chris "Canceled" D'elia

Sitting on my couch in my room, after a nice warm meal, never felt so good!!! I've never felt so scared in my life!!! My hands started to shake, and my knees felt weak. Even after I found my car and I was able to relax, I felt like I had to throw up. Probably bc of the stress - both physical and mental - that feeling lost in the woods had on my body. It was terrifying, but at the same time it was the most exciting experience I've had in awhile! I felt ALIVE!!! It really makes me appreciate the boring, safe life I have. I do appreciate this nice, warm bed to sleep in. But I also can't wait to get back out there!!! 🙌👊👍

"Life is not a recipe. Recipes are just descriptions of one person’s take on one moment in time. They’re not rules. People think they are. They look as if they are. They say, 'Do this, not this. Add this, not that.' But, really, recipes are just suggestions that got written down...
As you cook up your own life, never let anyone else's recipe for success intimidate you or get in your way. Know your own truth, and live by it."
Mario Batali

I'm on my way to go scouting on public lands for the first time in my life!!! I just purchased my hunting license, and can now legally enter any of the amazing Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) here in GA. Turkey season just opened (March 20th), so I decided to go to the Broad River WMA to scout for signs of Turkeys in the area. I'm so excited I can barely contain myself!!! You don't have to take up hunting, but I would strongly encourage you to find something that excites you!!! Something that you feel gives your life purpose and meaning. Just pick something and go after it!!! If it turns out to be the wrong thing, than you can always change your mind and try something else. But to waste your time here on Earth doing things out of routine, obligations, and even worse - doing things out of guilt, in my opinion, is to waste the most precious gift we've been given: Time. "The wear and tear of living is not worth the price we pay for it, unless we're really going for it! Unless we're working toward a worthy goal!" I imagine that you were sent here for a reason. You have a purpose for being here, and that purpose is to live the life you would feel proud of living! So that you can leave this Earth with your head held high, and your heart full of gratitude. 💖 #liveyourlife #experiencebeingyou #doitforthestory

I'm driving home from an ALLLLL DAYYYYYYY Hunter Safety Certification Course in South GA. It took me almost 2 hours to get here this morning!!! But it was worth every mile!!! I learned so much today, and more importantly 😝, I passed the test!!! I can now get my hunting license here in GA!!! 🙌🏹👊 I know this is going to upset many people who are against hunting. I understand 💯🙏👊 I felt the same way. In this episode, I try to articulate why and how I've come to this decision. I hope you understand 🙏

The lesson of David and Bathsheba.

I like to avoid politics as much as possible, for obvious reasons. That's why I didn't publish this episode, when I originally recorded it. But after thinking about it, and seeing how everything played out, I think it's interesting to see what i was thinking at that time about wha was going on in our country. In the end, everything will be alright. 👍😁👊

If I had a time machine, and I had the opportunity to stop myself before making some of the biggest mistakes of my life, I wouldn't do it. I'd sit back and watch... and I'd say, "He deserves it." 🤣

"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing, though the overtaking and possessing of a wish discovers the folly of the chase. " William Congreve

Sometimes it's easy to think to ourselves that we don't really matter. It's natural to wonder if our lives really mean anything.

"What's the purpose of our existence? Why are we here?"

In this episode of The Tao of Jun, I explain my philosophy on life and why we're here. I'm not saying that I have the definitive answers to those questions. But I do believe that I have a perspective worth sharing. 😊

I really hope you enjoy this episode 🙏, and please let me know what you think. Whether you agree or disagree, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas. 👍

Join me and my special guest, Papa John, as we explain what Toastmasters is and the personal benefits we've experienced from joining the organization. As John puts it, "It's like joining a gym to work on your public speaking muscles." I hope that after listening to this conversation, you will feel inspired to find a local club to visit just to see if it's right for you. As a guest your free to visit as many clubs as many times as you like. There's no pressure to join at any time. However, I'm willing to bet that after a few visits, you'll be inspired to join Toastmasters as well. I honor the light in you, that is also in me: Namaste 🙏

My girls and I LOVE Mulan. The original Mulan, not the new live action remake. We ordered Mulan 2020 on Disney+ over Labor day weekend, and boy were we disappointed 😞 I hope our honest review helps you if you're on the fence, thinking about ordering the movie for an extra $35 on top of the Disney+ subscription. Don't get me wrong, it would totally have been worth it if we actually enjoyed the movie. But we hated it! It felt like Disney took the heart and soul out of the movie and replaced it with a bunch of unnecessarily complicated drama that made the movie BORING. This is just our opinion. But maybe if you go into it knowing that it's just a Chinese action movie that happens to be called Mulan, you may actually be able to enjoy it. I hope this helps. Perhaps it will save someone the money, but more importantly your time. My youngest was smart enough to stop watching it less than halfway into the movie. She said, "This sucks," and went upstairs! 🤣🤣🤣

Ride along with us as i drive down to Atlanta from Tennessee with my daughters ❤

In this podcast my friend, Lee, and I try to tackle the difficult subject of RELATIONSHIPS. I must warn you, we get very honest and vulnerable in this episode. It is not for the faint of heart. If you are easily offended, please do not listen to this! But if you're having difficulty in your relationships, or experiencing a difficult separation, this is meant for you. I truly hope this episode helps you in your relationships both now, and in the future 🙏 "When you walk around with a broken heart 💔, you end up breaking other people's hearts." Lee Rowley

In this episode, I invite my friend and fellow philosopher, Daniel, to share his thoughts on Racism, Personal Development, Spirituality, and other topics that we find interesting to explore. This episode is raw, unedited and not for those who are easily offended. We tackle the difficult topics. The giant elephant in the room. I hope you enjoy our conversation! 🙏 (You can follow Daniel on Instagram @fr33truth, and his podcast called The Elephant in the Room)

Watching Chris D'Elia getting canceled is the saddest shit ever 😢

I was a fan of his comedy, and his podcast. I know he's innocent until proven guilty, but damn... some of the DM's that came out are pretty bad... I hope he can make it through this, and maybe even redeem himself in the future.

As a father of two young girls, pedophiles make my blood boil. 🤬 But I want to believe that he didn't knowingly pursue underage girls. I want to believe he's not the predator people are making him out to be. I hope he's not. It would be so devastating. It's already super disappointing. 😔

He just had a child with his partner recently. I know that after my first daughter was born I was the most emotional I've ever felt in my entire life. I would cry for no reason that I was aware of at times. I just hope that at a time like this, just having his first baby and having his life torn apart at the same time, he has some true friends and family to be there for him. I'm genuinely worried about him. I hope he pulls through this 🙏

This is probably not going to sit well with my listeners. I drop the bullshit in this episode and just share my honest thoughts and feelings on what's going on in the world right now. It's raw, it was unplanned, unscripted and totally raw. But it's how I genuinely feel right now.

I'm so over labels. All they do is separate us as a society. Divide and conquer. What if we gave up our labels and connect as human beings instead?

Literally rambling and spilling my thoughts while driving to and from South Carolina. I had such a great time today making a YouTube collaboration video with Jeanine. Jeanine is a mobile groomer here it Williamston South Carolina. Her YouTube channel is Grooms by Jeanine, and that's her Instagram handle as well. She's more active on Instagram than she is on YouTube, but she stays pretty active on YouTube as well. However, if you're wanting to contact her, or to ask questions about anything specific, her Instagram is usually the best way to get in touch with her. So this is just me sharing my thoughts on my way to and from South Carolina back down to Georgia. Thank you so much for your time, I hope you enjoy it!

I had a dream a couple of nights ago that made a profound impact on me. Here's the lesson I learned: I am Enough, and so are you. 🙏

Just sharing some random ideas that have been swirling around my head. 😁

I'd like to share my "Racist Dad" joke. There's a lesson in it that I think will help those of us who are experiencing racism, or dealing with other forms of ignorance. 🙏

Just unloading my thoughts while driving to work this morning. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

If there's one thing that has held me back, and prevented me from growing, it's COMPLAINING. Here's why it's so dangerous, and how I try to keep myself from indulging in this deadly habit.

There was a question that I had to answer last night at my Toastmasters club that I thought was such a great question to think about. "When you're 80 years old, what do you think will matter the most?"

After getting off a rollercoaster I rushed over to my younger daughter and asked, "Annabelle, weren't you scared?!"
She just shrugged and responded nonchalantly,
"Yeah, but that's why we ride the rides, right? So we can get scared."

Exactly! Sometimes life can be so scary, and you may feel like you're about to die. But don't worry. That's why we are here. That's why we ride the terrifying rollercoaster of life. So hold on tight, and enjoy your ride! Welcome to Planet Earth! I hope you enjoy your time here 🙏

Understanding the 5 stages of grief is having such a positive impact on me! It doesn't make the pain I feel go away, but it does help me navigate through it with more clarity and awareness. I'm still in the depressed, sad stage - and I find myself still bargaining. Trying to get back that which I've lost. But now that I understand why I'm feeling these strong emotions, and why they can feel so unbearable at times, it helps me to know that there is healing after the pain. And we all go through it. So I can get through it too. I'm hopeful now, knowing that I'm almost at the acceptance stage, and there's no need to rush it.

I'm getting ready to drive up to TN to give an all-day hands-on training at a grooming salon in Gallatin, TN tomorrow. I'm driving home to let my dogs out and pack my bags for the trip. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I'm sure everything will work out though... it always does. Or it won't, but that's ok too 👍😁🙌

I'm so upset with myself! I was at my client's house finishing up my groom, and after I was done I had to use the restroom. I was working in their garage so I had no idea that no one was home. I realized that no one was home when I opened the door and heard a loud beeping sound, and saw the red light flashing on their alarm system keypad. I panicked!! I shut the door and called my client, but she didn't answer. So I sent a couple of panicked, overly apologetic texts back to back!! You know, like an idiot. Then the siren went off... for a while... I thought to myself, "Now I'm screwed!!" 🤦🏻‍♂️😂🤣

I think the best thing for me to do now is to adapt to the changes happening in my life rather than resist it.

What makes life worth living? Why are we really here? What makes our time here worthwhile? I share my thoughts on these important questions in this episode.

Getting ready to make the drive down to Orlando, FL to groom a dangerously aggressive Shih Tzu. This is my second time. The first time was back in July, and a part of me was worried that it would be impossible. But anything is possible, and this time I'm going to stream it live on YouTube to show that nothing is impossible. The word itself spells "I'm Possible!"

Changing my inner dialogue. No matter how difficult the situation is, no matter how heavy the burden, we all have the ability to get through one more day. Instead of feeling despair, I can feel determined and make the most of this opportunities that I have today. "When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change." Dr Wayne Dyer

"Only after disaster can we be resurrected. It's only after you've lost everything that you're free to do anything. Nothing is static, everything is evolving, everything is falling apart."
Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Yesterday I was overwhelmed with sadness and depression. I tried to talk myself out of it like I usually do, but it didn't help... at all. I tried breathing techniques but that didn't help either. I felt overwhelmed with the feelings of despair and deep depression. I usually don't reach out to anyone for help because I don't want to bring anyone down. But in a state of desperation I reached out to my friend, Andre. After my conversation with Andre, I was able to feel a little better and decided to go walk my dogs at the park. Then I met an attorney at the dog park who deals with divorce and custody battles. After my conversation with him I felt a lot better. I was able to sleep last night without much difficulty. Then this morning I called the national suicide hotline and spoke with a man named Carl. I'm so glad I did because the conversation helped me immensely! The reason I'm sharing this is to encourage anyone who is struggling with depression or anxiety, and may be having suicidal thoughts, to please reach out to someone. I know its hard... and I know how difficult it is to talk about it with someone. It feels like it would be better to just hide it. Act like everything is fine, and put on a fake smile for everyone. But it's not. If you cannot reach out to anyone, please consider calling the suicide hotline. It's easier than I expected it to be, and it was a lot more helpful than I thought it would be. Give it a try before going through with something you can never undo. You are needed, and your life has value. Never give up!!

I had a dream last night that really bothered me. I was invited to a dinner party at one of my client's house, and I was surrounded by wealthy people inside a huge mansion. I felt so out of place and more than a bit insecure. When dinner was finally served, I very meekly asked a well dressed man if I could sit in an open seat next to him. He completely ignored me! So I asked again in a very submissive tone of voice, and this time he just glared at me. So I sheepishly sat on the floor and began eating my food. Then I heard people snickering and laughing behind me. When I woke up, I felt so upset and disappointed with myself. I realized that I need to stop behaving so sheepishly, and be more confident in myself! Be my own advocate, and speak up for myself. We all paid the same price of admission to exist here on earth! No one deserves to be here more than anyone else, and nobody has more value as a human being than you or I. Let's start valuing ourselves and stop acting so insecure. You have value, and you deserve to enjoy your time here on earth. And so do I 🙏

I was feeling super sad this morning and it was starting to affect me physically. It was triggered by looking at a cat's tail plant during my walk this morning. It reminded me of when I would pluck one of the stalks for my daughter, Ava, while I would push her in her stroller when she was little girl.

I remembered when my younger daughter, Annabelle, would tell me, "Daddy, don't step on the lines!" Which made me feel even more sad missing those times I'd walk with her and play the "don't step on the lines" game.

When I got back home from the walk, I saw their baby pictures all over the house which made me feel even more sad! Later, while driving to my client's house this morning, the feeling of sadness started to overwhelm me! I started to feel extremely tired, weak, and sleepy.

That was when I remembered a concept that I learned from John Kabat-Zinn, the author of The Full Catastrophe Living. He says that we should become an observer to our own feelings rather than fall victim to them. He points out that if we're going to feel them anyways we might as well really feel them.

Once you begin to take notice and observe the feelings like a scientist would, the overwhelming emotions lose their grip on you. They don't feel so strong and all-consuming anymore, and you begin to feel better. So I tried this while driving to work this morning, and now I really do feel better. I hope this concept helps you as much as it helps me.

I had a day off yesterday, and I originally planned on changing my engine oil, working on emails, running a few errands, the gym, walking my dogs in the evening and then finally getting some rest because I have a very busy week ahead of me. Instead I decided to go up and spend some time with my daughters in Tennessee. And I am so glad I did!! We met at a library near their house so that I could work on my emails while they worked on their schoolwork. Then we had a delicious meal at Chic-Fil-A before heading over to Opry Mills to play the Escape Room Game. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did!! We had such a great time, and it was such a great experience!! It was so challenging and difficult!! My younger daughter, Annabelle, got scared at the end and wanted to quit. The music was scaring her, and she asked several times if we could stop. I kept reassuring her, and told her everything was going to be ok. My older daughter was feeling the pressure of the clock as the 60 minute time limit was quickly running out!! But we made it!! With only 2 seconds to spare!! We got through it together as a family and overcame the difficult challenges! Now my daughters have this memory to look back on whenever they're facing a challenging or scary situation that may feel is too difficult to overcome. It's a priceless experience and such a wonderful memory that we now have forever. Even though I'm now working on just a few hours of sleep, it was so worth it in order to create that memory with my daughters. Had I not been willing to make the drive, I would be well rested today but I would've missed out on that incredible experience that my daughters will remember for the rest of their lives. It was so worth it!!

There's an episode of the Twilight Zone called The Trouble with Templeton.

It's about a man who can't let go of his past. Then one day he is suddenly transported back to his past. But is wife and best friend, both of whom he missed dearly, treated him so badly.

They were dismissive, mean, and extremely rude to him. Then he comes back to his original time and realizes that they were all just acting in order to get him to come back to the present moment. To live his life fully. To stop living in the past. Stop wishing things were the way they used to be. So that he could take full ownership of his life right now, and live it to the best of his ability. He learned that the past does not want him there. But the present moment needs him here.

This was exactly the lesson that I needed last night. While I was walking my dogs, I started to feel sad reminiscing about my daughters. Remembering the times we had and missing them so much. Then I remembered this lesson, and brought myself back to the present moment. I stood up tall, acknowledged my dogs, admired the forest all around me, listened to the sounds of Nature and really took in the beauty of that moment.

Because the past does not want me there. But this present moment needs me here.

I'm currently facing a very difficult decision that will potentially change my life! No matter what I choose, both options will have a huge impact on my future. While keeping my end goal of starting a dog grooming school in mind, I really need to decide which experience will be the most valuable and beneficial to my future students.

I'm finally beginning to feel better about myself and my current situation. I remember hearing an analogy about a ship in the ocean. As long as there are no holes in the ship, and the water cannot get inside, the ship will not sink. I've been hit with the winds of divorce, and the storm of sadness. My ship has been damaged. But instead of focusing my energy and attention on repairing my ship, I've been wasting my time blaming the ocean of life. Shaking my fist at the sky in anger and resentment. Blaming the waves instead of repairing the damage within myself. Now that I've found the real source of my pain, I'm now feeling so much better! It's empowering to know that I have the power to repair my broken heart, and still make something beautiful out of my shattered dreams. Like Dr Wayne Dyer used to say, "When you refuse to go within, you will always go without."

Today was especially tough for me. I'm battling demons that seem so scary! Fighting feelings of despair and anguish. Feeling trapped and hopeless. But I got through it. Speaking my thoughts out loud during my walk with my dogs this evening really helped bring me back from that deep dark place. I hope by sharing this, and by hearing my thought process, it might help someone else who may be feeling the way I felt today. #staystrong #thingscangetbetter #takecontrolofyourmind

This is probably one of the most meaningful conversations I've ever had. My friend Lee has graciously offered her time, and courageously shared some of the most difficult experiences a human being can ever go through. She has dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts for most of her life. In this conversation Lee shares with me practical ways, and helpful ideas that can help anyone who is struggling with depression and/or thoughts of suicide. These are real world tips and strategies given by someone who has gone through it herself. For that reason alone, I believe that they are truly applicable for others who are going through it as well. If you or anyone you know is struggling through the darkest of times, please encourage them to listen to this podcast episode. I honestly believe it will help. I am so incredibly grateful for Lee's courage and willingness to share her experiences in order to help someone else.

Sometimes new groomers, or people who are thinking about changing careers into grooming, are disappointed when they contact me. I'm usually very encouraging, and I love to help inspire and motivate my fellow groomers. But the reason why I sometimes discourage people from grooming is because they're in it for the wrong reason. I can tell by the questions they ask: "How quickly can I become a groomer?"; "How much money can I make?", etc. If you're doing it because you think it'll be a fun way to make money - no matter what line of work it is - you're in it for the wrong reason, and it will never end well. If anything, I'm trying to save them from years of frustration.

I'd like to share some ideas and strategies that I've been using that have really been helping me through this tough time in my life. No one is immune to the difficulties and hardships in life. If you find yourself on the edge, contemplating the worst, I'd like to share how I've managed to pull myself back from the edge of the cliff. I hope this helps 🙏

I got through another day! It wasn't pretty, but it was my best. I'm really starting to understand that I'm not perfect, and maybe that's perfect. Just like a diamond is precious because of it's flaws and imperfections, maybe it's the difficult times in our lives that makes it so beautiful and precious. Maybe if everything was perfect it would be boring as hell! Maybe what feels like hell is actually heaven.

I'm going through the most difficult time of my life right now. I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. It takes everything to just get out of bed... and then at night it's so difficult to fall asleep. But I must go on and try to look to the future with hope. Right? What other choice do I have? I must face each day with purpose, and continue to try to be a better person than I used to be.

“Believe in the great opportunities that are right here not over in New York or Boston, but here — for business, for everything that is worth living for on earth. There was never an opportunity greater.” Russell Conwell

"If you knew who you really are, you would no longer worry about other people’s opinion of you. And you wouldn’t worry about how you’re going to move from Point A to Point Z.
The truth is, you wouldn’t worry about anything at all." Bob Procter

"True nobility is not about being better than anyone else, it's about being better than you used to be." - Wayne Dyer

Why I believe it's better not to live life in God mode. 😁🙏

We think we want life to be easy.

But would we really enjoy life? Would it feel rewarding? Could we still feel the exhilaration that comes from overcoming the difficult challenges that we all face in our lives.

I've always dreamed of doing things that would help others, and feeling like I mattered to someone. That's why driving down to Orlando, FL to help a kind and caring couple with their adopted Shih Tzu means so much to me. "I know every mile will be worth my while. I will go most anywhere to find where I belong!"

I've been reevaluating my belief systems that have been running my life for so long without me ever realizing it. Beliefs that were passed down to me by others that are completely false! Yet I've been allowing these false beliefs to run my life. Now that I'm becoming more aware, and examining my beliefs, life has taken on a whole new meaning!

I believe it's our heartache and pains that connect us. By suffering through hardships, we gain empathy and compassion. Through every difficulty, through every failure, we inevitably grow.

5 am... Almost home... exhausted and exhilarated at the same time! I'm returning home a changed man!

Bring on the challenges! Bring on the difficulties! I can take it!!

I can weather any storm. Unless it kills me, I will never give up. Because I'm no longer afraid of trying my best but failing anyways.

"Let the storm rage on" #thecoldneverbotheredmeanyways

Learning to let go.

I decided to record a conversation David, a fellow Youtuber and dog enthusiast, were having during our car ride to Stone Mountain, Ga. It was about the importance of rest and recovery, and whether or not there's a difference.

I've been dealing with a lot of sadness and loneliness lately... and like an idiot, I would go live on Facebook and vent. Rant is probably a more accurate word. But I have to remind myself that there are a few people who do look up to me. Like it or not, I do lead a smal tribe now. As leader of this ship, I no longer have the luxury of presenting myself as anything less than my best. There are people counting on me. I cannot let them down. I must do my very best!!

I'd like to remind you of who you are. Who you REALLY are!!! 🙏

Success is attainable no matter who you are or what your circumstances may be. You just have to know the recipe for success, and follow it.

Fortunately, it’s simple and there’s only 4 ingredients:
1) Show Up
2) Do Your Best
3) Genuinely Care
4) Be of Service

Hold Me Jesus, by Rich Mullins

There is an old African proverb, “ if there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do no harm.”

I met a lady named Mia tonight at our Brookhaven Toastmasters at St. James UMC meeting. She said she came because she has lost her voice.

So I asked, “When was the last time you remember seeing it? Let’s treat it like a lost set of keys.”

She responded, “Back in 2014.” 😯 Allow me to share her story. But the story is not over. In fact, you’ll see that this is only the beginning!

I’d like to share an idea that I got from Dr. Rhonda Kaufman during my flight back to Atlanta this past weekend. It literally blew my mind! I hope it has some value for you as well 🙏

I’ve been feeling myself pulling away lately. Withdrawing, and not really knowing why. I was unaware of why I was even feeling this way. But I think I know what’s going on now. Just like a lobster must take time to go harden it’s new shell whenever it grows, I must take some time to harden my new shell. Or run the risk of getting eaten alive because of my impatience, and my inability to control my eagerness.

Many say that life is a mountain to climb. But what if unexpectedly, and quite suddenly, you find yourself at the top of your personal mountain? Do you set up residence there? Or do you keep going on to the next mountain? Because the next mountain looks even more challenging, but much more beautiful and more rewarding! Do you stay, or do you go? What would you do?

After meeting two of my favorite groomers, that I really look up to in this industry, I realized that all three of us share some things in common that I believe is responsible for our success. Even though we’re so different, we all have something in common. I’d like to share what those common traits are in this podcast. I hope you enjoy it, and namaste 🙏

We are all born with something very special inside of us. I call it the light. We all have it inside of us. I want to encourage you to keep shining your light. Even if others have convinced you that your light is wrong. It’s the wrong color. It’s the wrong shape. It’s not bright enough - it will never be bright enough. Don’t believe them! Your light is your own, and it is unique for a reason. No matter what, keep shining. Keep smiling. Knowing that you are meant to shine, and you will always be enough 🙏🤗

I’ve done a lot of thinking recently about how exactly I went from a failing business owner to now a successful entrepreneur. After spending a lot of time meditating on this, I believe that I have defined the three ideas that made the most impact on my life. Tonight as I drive home I’d like to share the 3 life-changing ideas with you. I hope they serve you as well as they have served me. Namaste 🙏

You are currently REAPING what you have SOWN up until now. So if you don’t like what you’re reaping, you’ve got to start sowing better seed. “The soil says, ‘Don’t bring me your needs. Bring me your seeds!’” Jim Rohn

This morning I would like to tell you about the moment that I became a millionaire!!

You have something that is priceless, and precious beyond compare. More precious than diamonds, more valuable than gold. It’s called your soul, and don’t ever sell it for anyone or anything!

Everyone is so beautifully precious, and rich beyond compare! All of us! 🤗 I know this to be true in my heart ♥️. I can recognize it. Because I am too 🙏 Namaste 🙏

What if I told you that you're going to die? What if I told you that you've got an inescapable, incurable condition called Life?

How differently would we live each day if we realized we are all suffering from this fatal condition? Would knowing that our time here is very limited change how we approach each day?

This condition called Life will knock you down over and over again until it finally clocks you out for good. No one knows how long you have. Life affects everyone differently. But make no mistake, life is going to get you. When we truly realize this, I believe that each day becomes precious. We will no longer want to waste them doing things we’d rather not do.

No matter how beautifully sculpted, or how intricately designed, there is not a single piece of pottery that would be useful to anyone until it goes into the furnace. I love to use this as an analogy to explain why we must all go into the furnace. Why life puts us under so much pressure sometimes. Because it hardens us. It puts a beautiful, protective glaze around us so that our inner confidence shines out brilliantly. Until we go through hard times, experience difficulties - go into the furnace of life, we will never be useful to anyone. Especially to ourselves!

Life is definitely a journey. With twists and turns, and unexpected obstacles. Sometimes you’re flying high, and sometimes you’re down in the mud. That’s life. Right now I’m in the process of getting myself out of the mud. Wherever you find yourself at this moment, I hope you never give up on yourself! Always remember that you have greatness within you! Unlimited potential, and unique gifts and talents to offer the world. Believe in yourself! And always value yourself... because if you don’t, you’ll have to depend on others to value you... and they won’t. I promise you, they won’t. You must learn to value yourself! You are worth it!! I promise you!!! You’re worth it!!

We are all born with unlimited potential. That is a fact.

Given enough time and effort, there’s no telling where someone could end up in life. But what if you’re not born with any noticeable gifts or talents? What if you’re not super smart, or tall, or strong? What if you’re not physically attractive? None of these things matter. Even the least likely person can become a Superhero, even if everyone else believes that it’s impossible.

All you have to do is understand this simple formula: Great Power = Great Responsibility.

Which also means: Great Responsibility = Great Power

All you have to do is take a great level of responsibility for your own life. Own it! All of it! The good and the bad. Stop blaming others or allowing yourself to be the victim. Take charge of your own life!

By taking personal responsibility, you become powerful! With Great Responsibility comes Great Power!

I never actually met Mark Cuban. 😔

This was just a dream that I had that was REALLY intense! It was such a vivid dream, and it felt so real.

I’m sharing this dream with you because the advice that my imaginary Mark Cuban gave me totally changed my mind set. I hope it helps you too 🙏❤️

I love the butterfly analogy!

The symbolism is powerful! We retreat from the world and struggle within, then return transformed into a beautiful new being. How beautiful is that? But there were a couple things that I missed about the butterfly analogy that would’ve really helped me had I understood them.

I’d like to share the two points that I missed in hopes that you get the idea much sooner than I did, and it will save you much heartache. 🤗❤️

I would like to share an idea that I got while watching the new Green Hornet, with Seth Rogen and Jay Chou. The idea is, “how do you do anything is how you do everything. “ if there was no excellent espresso, there would be no Kato. If there was no Kato, there would be no Green Hornet. The magic all started with a cup of coffee. Because how you do anything is how you do everything.

When we understand The Law of Integrity, we help others with pure motives. With a genuine intention to help. Because we understand that it’s in our own best interest that others do well.

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” Franklin D Roosevelt

After the Toastmasters meeting tonight, I was so excited that I streamed live on YouTube to share my experience. Then I called my wife, got in the car and drove off. Halfway home I realized I left my journal on top of the car and never got it before getting back in! So I drove back to retrace my steps, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. My journal is gone, I’m freaking out, but after talking about it I’m feeling much better about the whole situation.

Just sharing my thoughts while driving home to get ready for my very first Toastmasters meeting tonight in Brookhaven. I’m feeling so excited 😁

Rather than fight your fears, struggle with anxiety, learn to dance with them. Accept them as a necessary part of your story. Acceptance does not mean resignation - throwing your hands up in the air and giving up. Acceptance means understanding.

I’m so scared to release this podcast. I’m afraid of what people may think, or that their opinion of me may change. What if I lose all my fans? Or my clients? But something keeps telling me to publish this. No matter what the consequences are, I want to live more honestly.

This idea came up while doing a goal-setting session for a livestream on our YouTube channel. I gave the example of Aladdin and the genie 🧞‍♂️. He couldn’t make the princess fall in love with Aladdin ❤️

When making goals of your own, keep in mind, you can’t make anyone love you. Or treat you better - or treat you fairly. You cannot change or control people or circumstances. All we really have control over is ourselves, and how we respond to the people and circumstances in our lives.

However, just like Aladdin realized, you can’t change others, but you can change yourself. Become the kind of person who attracts the people and circumstances you wish you had in your life. Become the best version of yourself 🤗🙏

Today I had to say goodbye to my wife and daughters. They leave for Arizona to help and be with family out there. My father-in-law is lying in a hospital bed, not responding well to medication, and it looks like this may be their last chance to say “goodbye” 😭

Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two completely different worlds. We all know what we should do. That’s easy. It’s deciding to do what we know we should do that’s the challenge.

“Success is not something you pursue. It’s something you attract by the person you become.” Jim Rohn

In this episode I explain why I believe that hard work is not enough. The key is to care about the work you do. The more you care, the more rewarded you’ll feel and people will appreciate you more as well. I use the example of my time working at a liquor store. I understand now why I had such a bad experience, and how different it could’ve been if only I had cared more about the work I was doing. Working hard might pay the bills, but true fulfillment only comes by genuinely caring about the work you do for others.

Loving your job, your craft, the work you do is literally a matter of life and death! Brian Tracy says that if you don’t love your job, get out of it the way you would get out of a burning building! Because that’s what it’s doing to your life! Soon the job you hate will burn all the creativity and desire that’s always been in your heart. Love the work you do! It’s literally a matter of life and death!

I’ve been thinking about letting go of resentments recently. Letting go of the past, and allowing old wounds to heal - forgiving myself and others for past mistakes. So when I heard Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, it was like hearing it for the first time! I heard it differently this time. I asked myself, “What if Rudolph was bitter and resentful like me?” He wouldn’t have gone down in history, that’s for sure. At least not in a good way. It was because Rudolph was much wiser than me, he knew to let the past go and be willing to help when needed. “Then all the reindeer loved him! They even shouted out with glee! Rudolph the red-nose reindeer, you’ll go down in history!”

We are all like the Golden Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. We are brilliant and priceless, but we’ve been convinced that we are not enough. We’ve been covered up with clay and made to believe that we are worthless. Sometimes the only way to discover, uncover, the greatness hidden inside is for life to break us. Only by falling out of the sky and having our outer shell removed can we reveal the brilliance that has been inside of you all along.

We love going to amusement parks as a family. My daughters love screaming as they feel their stomachs rising up out of their throats! 😂 That’s why the rides are so fun! The feeling that we’re going to die is why we go on the scariest rides, and we laugh afterwards. Some even go back in line! I like to think of planet earth that way. As a huge amusement park here in our galaxy. Some of the rides are safe and boring... and that’s fine if that’s your style. But for me, I’m here for the thrill!! For the laughs, the experiences, and the meaningful relationships that we create along the way.

The willingness to help others is what will motivate and inspire you to push yourself to learn more, try harder, and do the things that scare you. It’s what pulls you through the tough times when you fail or embarrass yourself. Like Alicia Keys says, “We are here. We are here for all of us, that’s why we are here.” 🎶

Focus on helping and serving others to the best of your ability. Not chasing the money. do it for what it will make of you, not for what can get, but who you will become! “Success is not something you pursue. Success is something you attract by the person you become.” Jim Rohn

Had I not failed my first business attempt, I would not be the person I am today. I say this with love, but I hope you have the privilege to fail 🤗

“As you cook up your own life, never allow anyone else’s recipe for success intimidate you or get in your way. Know your own truth and live by it.” Mario Batali

A lesson from the Stephen’s Island Wren: A life of comfort and ease can lead to extinction. Paradise is a nice place to visit on vacation, but stay there long enough and it can become your graveyard.

Life is not about “getting it done” - accomplishing more than others or proving that you’re better. It’s about enjoying this experience we’re having called Life! So take the pressure off of yourself. The pressure to win, or to prove yourself to others. You’ve already won! So just breathe, enjoy this moment, and feel the relief come over you.

Most of us have heard the saying, “Personality opens doors, but character keeps them open.” I’d like to share my thoughts on what exactly that means. Thank you for listening :-)

Although trophies, certificates, plaques and ribbons may fade away after we’re gone; the experiences we share with others, and the impact we have on the lives of others will last forever. #doitforthestory

Many people are playing the lottery tonight. Hoping to win millions and finally live a problem free life. But how many of those people have ever considered this one question after they do win: “and then what?”

I realized while trying to save this little snakes life over the weekend, that I don’t get upset up a snake for acting like a snake because I understand how a snake is supposed to act. This made me ask myself, “what if i approached everything like that?”

A special shout out to Santino, who also has a podcast on Anchor called The Crypto Kid where he talks about crypto-currency like bitcoin. I really appreciate the voice message, and the encouragement 🙏🙏🙏 Thank you so much!

In this episode I share an fascinating insight from the book Influence: The Science of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini about what causes human conflict.

In this episode I share my experiences from the time we owned a grocery store in the West End. During the time we owned the grocery store, we never got robbed. But the owners before us and after us all got robbed. I believe the difference was in the way we treated people.

Life is about the challenges and the struggle to overcome insurmountable obstacles. Even if you had the code to activate GOD Mode, would you really want to? Isn’t the joy of winning sweeter when it’s difficult?

Life is not easy because it’s meant to be rewarding. And easy is never rewarding. If everything was perfect, there would be nothing to do and we would be bored.

On my tombstone I do not want it to say, “Here lies Jun. He was better than you.“

Dr. Bruce Lipton has proven scientifically that our thoughts affect our bodies. Jon Kabat Zinn teaches us how to be more aware of the moment by breathing. I believe that by combining these two concepts - being more mindful of our thoughts and paying attention to our breath, we can live more for filled lives. Lives that are not so dominated by feelings of anxiety, Fear, sadness or anger. Then life takes on a whole new meaning.

A weird little experience on a Tuesday afternoon 😁 I hope you all are well! 🙏😊

Just like a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it takes time for us to achieve our goals. Be patient with yourself as you grow.

Lesson #1: Turn your blinkers on if things are not right. Lesson#2: It doesn't matter if the old lady dusts you.

“If you want to sentence yourself to a life of fear, never do anything that scares you.” Taylor Clark, NERVE: Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Cool

Misery loves company, but suffering hates it. We all have to suffer sometimes. That’s uncontrollable. What we can control is how we respond to the suffering. Misery is a choice, and it not only loves company it needs it. In this episode I offer my opinion on where misery comes from - why ppl feel miserable.

Sometimes it’s easy to feel down when others don’t give you the recognition you feel you deserve. People like your wife or your children or whoever it is you think you’re doing it for. Just remember the only thing that matters is how you feel about yourself. It’s so you can feel proud of yourself. Not so others can appreciate you. Because what if they don’t appreciate you the way you thought they would? It’s not for them it’s for you. When you do an outstanding job, you can feel good about yourself and proud of yourself.

The story of five monkeys in a cage perfectly illustrates why people behave the way they do when they see you going after your dreams. Don’t take it personal, don’t be offended, and don’t be surprised. It’s not because they hate you. Actually because they care. They’ve just been programmed by the generations before them.

When you’re in some serious trouble, who can you count on? Those are your friends, and the people you want to spend your time with the most. You don’t look to profit from them or look for benefits. Friendships are for our pleasure, not for our profit.

What if Jack decided to be a “good boy” and obey his mother’s command? We would have no story, there would be no magic, and no one would ever know that Jack ever existed.

When I got my DUI and I landed in jail for the first time, I thought my life was over. I thought I had completely ruined my chances of ever having a good life. Looking back now it was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me!

Life is not easy because it’s meant to be rewarding... and easy is never rewarding.

Having a list of goals is the major key to a better life.

Decide what YOU want out of life, and have the faith in yourself to go for it! You can achieve your dreams. Just be sure they’re your own. “Before scrambling up the ladder of SUCCESS, make sure it’s leaning again the right wall.” Steven R Covey

When you stop focusing on problems, solutions seem to magically appear!

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Aristotle

In this episode I'd like to share my thoughts on why it's so important to go the extra mile. But once you've decided to go the extra mile, how do you get there?

Episode 2: Why it’s so important to feel proud of yourself.

This is my very first podcast! I hope you like it!