Blind Can You Can

Tag: mindfulness

  • Staying Present: Parenting Lessons from Full House, Family Matters, and Real Life

    As a parent, we carry a big responsibility—to raise our kids right.

    To be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Maybe parenting isn’t something you master in a year or two. Maybe it’s a lifelong process of doing your best, learning as you go, and praying you don’t mess it up too badly.

    Before I had kids, life was simple. Even with a disability, things were flexible. I didn’t need much. I’ve always been kind of a minimalist—content with the basics. But everything changed the moment I became a parent. Suddenly, I wanted to provide. Provide a good home. A good education. A good life. Hopefully you can relate.

    There’s no clear manual for life after kids. Sure, there are endless parenting books, podcasts, and “expert” tips—but none of them truly prepare you. Sometimes I find myself looking back at old family sitcoms for inspiration—Full House, Family Matters—you know, the classics. Sprinkle in some advice from the professionals, and here’s what I’ve come to believe:

    The most important thing you can do as a parent is to be present.

    Kids aren’t born into this world asking for the latest gadget, a five-bedroom home, or organic quinoa bowls. They just want love, comfort, and connection. It’s us parents who put the pressure on ourselves—to move to the right neighborhood, get them into the best schools, provide the “perfect” childhood.

    But it’s not our kids asking for that. It’s us trying to do our best—and that’s beautiful. But let’s remember: it’s a gift to provide, not a burden. Kids are a blessing, and we have the privilege of being their guide.

    At the end of the day, they just want us:
    To hug them.
    Celebrate their birthdays.
    Read them bedtime stories.
    Hold their hand when they’re scared.
    Be there when they score the winning goal (or miss it entirely).

    Kids are simple. It’s us adults who complicate things.

    Sure, they talk back. They make messes. They sometimes make you want to pull your hair out—but hey, that’s another blog post for another day (maybe tomorrow).

    Today, I just want to reflect on the parent-child connection.

    Danny Tanner and Carl Winslow weren’t perfect dads, but they showed up. They were present. And that mattered. It mattered so much that even the neighbor kids—Kimmy Gibbler and Steve Urkel—wanted to hang out at their houses. That’s the power of presence.

    I’m not pretending I’ve got this all figured out. But I know one thing for sure: I can’t win the game of parenthood if I’m not even on the court.

    So, for every tired parent out there reading this: stay on the court. Show up, even when you’re not sure how to play the next move. Be the best version of yourself in the moment—not trapped in the past or worried about the future. Just here. Now. Present.

    And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.

  • Life Lessons from Goofy: Why Believing in Yourself Is Always in Style

    Remember A Goofy Movie?

    Probably not. It wasn’t exactly a blockbuster hit, but I loved it as a kid. They even made a spinoff show (Goof Troop) and a sequel called An Extremely Goofy Movie. You can actually stream them on Disney+ now—nostalgia at your fingertips!

    I honestly didn’t even know the sequel existed until recently. I was probably too busy studying or surviving school life when it came out. It seems like one of those made-for-TV Disney Channel movies—low expectations, big heart.

    Anyway, I ended up watching An Extremely Goofy Movie with my son at a local “Movies in the Park” night. It was a lovely evening: lots of families, lots of laughter, and, of course, overpriced food truck ice cream. Classic.

    And you know what? Even though those movies are now 25 to 30 years old, the messages still hold up—surprisingly well, actually. Goofy still has a lot to teach us.

    He was my favorite Disney character growing up. Goofy didn’t try to be anything other than himself—awkward, funny, full of heart. And in both movies, that’s exactly what saves the day.

    In the first movie, Max lies to impress a girl, steering his and Goofy’s father-son road trip toward a Powerline concert instead of the intended route. Max could’ve done the right thing—but peer pressure and insecurity got the better of him.

    In the sequel, Max goes off to college and Goofy, now sad and unemployed, has to go back to school for a degree. Where does he end up? You guessed it—Max’s college. Max, embarrassed as ever, tries to get rid of his dad by encouraging him to join a rival fraternity. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go well.

    But here’s the heart of it: in both movies, Max messes up, and Goofy shows up—because that’s what love looks like. Unconditional, clumsy, well-meaning love.

    Yes, I teared up. Again.

    These movies reminded me of something we often forget as adults: we are enough. So often we tell ourselves, I’m not good enough, not cool enough, not worthy enough. We compare, we doubt, we sabotage.

    Max spends both movies pushing away his dad, embarrassed by who Goofy is. But by the end, he realizes the truth—his dad is awesome. Why? Because he accepts Max for exactly who he is. No need to win the College X Games or crash a Powerline concert to be loved.

    Goofy’s got that horseshoe philosophy: keep showing up, stay true to yourself, and eventually, everything will clang into place.

    That message hit home for me. I’ve spent much of my life doubting myself:

    • I’ll never get the girl.
    • I won’t land the job.
    • Success isn’t for people like me.

    But I’m learning that mindset matters more than we think. Instead of asking “Why me?”, maybe it’s time to ask:

    “How am I good? How am I great? How am I awesome?”

    If Goofy can save the day—not once, but twice—and get two movies and a whole cartoon series, then honestly? We’ve all got a shot at greatness.

    So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you just aren’t “enough,” maybe cue up a Disney classic. Laugh a little. Cry a little. Remember that awkward can be amazing, love is powerful, and believing in yourself might just be the goofiest and most powerful thing you ever do.

    Even with a dad like Goofy, you’re gonna be just fine.

  • Just Do It: Why Pushing Through Procrastination Is the Real Power Move

    Just Do It: Why Pushing Through Procrastination Is the Real Power Move

    Just Do It. Nike Got It Right.

    Let’s be real—this blog post almost didn’t happen.

    I started this journey with the goal of posting my thoughts daily, like a journal. But somewhere along the way, my to-do list exploded, life got loud, and this intention quietly slipped into the background.

    So today, I said to myself: “Just post something.” Give yourself a moment to think, reflect, and write—however messy or imperfect it may be. Ironically (or maybe perfectly), I had been listening to an audiobook about procrastination yesterday, and that gave me the kick I needed. Funny how life lines things up sometimes, isn’t it?

    It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece.
    It just needs to get done.
    If it’s something you care about—if it’s tied to a goal that matters—then just do it.

    Even superstar athletes have off days. But they don’t quit. They show up for the next game. They push through. Why? Because the end goal is bigger than any one bad day.

    I remember college—peak procrastination season. Everything was more interesting than homework: TV, snacks, laundry, even cleaning! But if the goal was to graduate and build a future, then I had to look my friends in the eye and say, “Catch you later—I’ve got to study.”

    We all face blocks. Maybe you’re afraid of change. Completing a task means moving on, and the next step feels unfamiliar. Or maybe you’re anxious—like avoiding a certification exam because you know passing it means more responsibility at work.

    Sometimes it’s emotional. Like putting off cleaning out a loved one’s closet after they’ve passed. Or finally letting go after a breakup. These tasks carry heavy weight.

    There are endless reasons not to do something.

    But usually, there’s one powerful reason to do it:
    Your end goal.

    If you truly want what’s on the other side, you’ll find a way to fight through the fear, the doubt, the emotion, the excuses.

    For me, I’ve got to face that the odds are stacked—but I’m not giving up. My desire to chase what matters—to build something meaningful, to live with purpose—keeps me going. I hope it does the same for you.

    So, whether it’s starting something new, finishing something old, or simply picking up where you left off…

    Just do it.
    Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s late. Even if it’s not perfect.

    Because done is always better than never started.

  • Let It Go (For Real This Time): Why Holding On Holds You Back

    Like that infamous Disney song goes—“Let it go!” Easier sung than done, right?

    Letting go of the past, a grudge, or a deep disappointment is not always as easy as Elsa makes it seem. Many times, we’re emotionally invested in our history, our pain, and even our anger. Some people are lucky enough to travel light in life, but the rest of us? We’re dragging emotional carry-ons, checked bags, and probably an overweight suitcase of unresolved issues.

    And just like at the airport, extra baggage will cost you.

    The thing is, some of these burdens can’t be seen or touched, but emotionally? They take up prime real estate in our hearts and minds.

    Sometimes we think that holding on—clinging to the anger, the betrayal, the “they did me wrong” moment—gives us power. That if we keep the memory alive, maybe it’ll make the other person feel guilty, sorry, or finally give us the closure we deserve.

    But here’s the truth bomb: they probably don’t even know. Or care.
    They’re living their lives, while you’re stuck in the same emotional holding pattern.

    So who really loses?

    I’ll be the first to admit it—I’ve done this. For the longest time, I blamed my parents for my disability. I blamed friends and exes who left me. I blamed the people who didn’t give me a shot or passed judgment without knowing me.

    I held on tight. But the irony? None of them knew.
    They were off living their lives.
    I was the only one left hurting.

    The truth is, my life is my responsibility.
    Not theirs.
    And the longer I held on, the more I delayed my own healing and happiness.

    It reminds me of sparring in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sometimes, I hold onto a grip or a position for too long because it feels safe. Familiar. But if I don’t adapt or let go when it’s time, that good position turns into a bad one. Next thing I know—I’m getting passed, countered, or submitted.

    Same goes for life.

    Your job—my job—isn’t to stop others from doing their thing. It’s to protect our own peace, adapt, and make the necessary changes to keep moving forward.

    Because if we don’t?
    Life will sweep right past us. Submit us. And we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.

    Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting.
    It doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt.
    It just means you’ve decided to stop carrying the weight.

    So take a deep breath.
    Let go of what no longer serves you.
    And step into what could be—not what should’ve been.

  • Let Your Original Flavor Shine: Why Loving Yourself Is the Real Game-Changer

    The Original Flavor

    I caught up with a friend today, and during our conversation, he said something that really struck me:
    “Your original flavor is good enough—you don’t need to dress it up.”

    That simple statement stirred something in me. It reminded me of something I read recently in one of Brian Tracy’s books: we have to love ourselves before we can truly love others. Just like the old airplane wisdom—put on your own oxygen mask before assisting someone else.

    But in real life, many of us forget to do that. We get so caught up trying to be everything to everyone that we end up neglecting ourselves. We’re running on empty while trying to fill everyone else’s cup. But how can you take care of others if you’re falling apart yourself? How can you give love if you don’t have any left for you?

    We live in a world that thrives on appearances—on polished, filtered, curated versions of ourselves. Social media has made it far too easy to create a persona that the world will “like,” follow, and subscribe to. It’s tempting, isn’t it? That little dopamine hit from each heart and thumbs-up makes us feel seen… for a moment.

    But here’s the real question:
    Isn’t it your own job to validate yourself?

    You should be the one telling yourself, “You’re good enough.” You should be your own biggest fan. Because at the end of the day, the likes won’t pay your bills, and your followers won’t hold your hand when life gets rough.

    Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not writing this because I’ve got it all figured out. There are days I talk myself down. Days I feel like a loser who’s just fallen behind in life’s race. Days when the idea of faking a happy life on social media just to feel a little better creeps into my mind.

    But then I remind myself:
    My original flavor is good enough.
    And if the world can’t see that, well… that’s their loss.

    Loving yourself is the foundation that everything else is built on. When you do, you can love others more fully. You grow faster. You become bolder. You become a force to be reckoned with because your strength comes from within—not from a like count.

    Now, some people might say that sounds self-absorbed or egotistical. But here’s the twist: if you’re using your growth to give back, then it’s not ego—it’s purpose.

    Look at Kobe Bryant. He believed in himself, loved himself enough to put in the work every single day. He didn’t fake greatness. He showed up with passion, grit, and confidence—and look at the legacy he left behind. Not only did he win, but he gave back to the game and to his community in a massive way.

    Or take In-N-Out Burger, one of my favorite spots. They’ve kept the same simple menu for decades. No gimmicks, no over-the-top sauces—just the original flavor. And because they stayed true to who they are, they became a globally recognized brand. People from around the world make it a point to stop by when they visit California. Now, they give back through scholarships, community fundraising, and even free hot chocolate when it rains.

    That’s the power of staying true to your flavor.

    So, what’s the takeaway?

    Love yourself.
    Simple to say. Not always easy to do.
    But when you learn to show up authentically—when you let your original flavor shine—that’s when the real magic happens.

    Be you. The world needs what only you can offer.