Happy Valentine’s Day!

When I was nine, Bob Willis tripped me, punched me in the stomach, and said, “You’re a fat, ugly Jap!” After that, I wanted nothing to do with my heritage

However, throughout my life, seeds of Japanese influence were planted.  When I attended college, I studied Japanese to fulfill the foreign language requirement.  I wanted to know what my parents were saying that I couldn’t understand!  My first mentor encouraged me to visit Japan because I was ‘more Japanese than I realized.’

Then, in 1982, my husband and I went to Japan and met my rich cousins on my father’s side of the family. They gave me copies of my Tsugawa family tree, and crest which had images of three swords and three leaves that looked like hearts….Domo arigatou gozaimasu …..Thank you very much.

A few days later we attended the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto; the annual historical parade with over 2,000 people dressed in period attire. For me, the highlight was the female samurai warrior, Tomoe Gozen. I didn’t even know there were female samurai! She was so strong, regal, and her image left a deep impression on me.  We returned home, and I packed away our memories and my Japanese heritage.

Then in 2007, I was rear ended; the second time in 18 months. I was so messed up, I couldn’t think straight!!! I easily fatigued, suffered chronic pain, and was reading at a seventh grade level; diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI). My new job was physical therapy, massage therapy, vision therapy, speech pathology, chiropractor, neurologist, physiatrist, psychologist, Neuro psych, brain scan, MRI, and more. In fact, I endured over 1,000 medical appointments to regain wellness.  

But I started to think about that female samurai warrior and my Japanese heritage. I began to research the code of bushido, the way of the warrior, whose principles are: courage…integrity… benevolence… respect…honesty… honor…and loyalty.  While researching, I saw a familiar image…I raced to show my husband, “LOOK, my family crest is one of the five main samurai crests of feudal Japan!  The DNA of those samurai warriors is in me.” I knew if the samurai spirit can motivate those warriors, it can motivate me!

My goal was to write a book about how the samurai principles influenced Japanese descendants to overcome challenges. I thought if I can write the book, then I will overcome traumatic brain injury (TBI). Every day, with whatever strength I had, I began to write. As the book took shape, my vision, speech and mental capacity all improved. I could think more clearly and began to see light at the end of the tunnel. When the first shipment of books arrived, I thought, YES, that warrior spirit really is a part of me!

What about your visions, talents, and dreams?  I believe those dreams are on your heart, and only YOU can accomplish them!  I encourage you to act upon your visions and talents, whether past or present, and fulfill your destiny!  Ignite the ‘fire in your belly’ to propel you forward.

“If not now, when? If not you, who?”

   ― Hillel the Elder

Now I share the code of bushido with people up and down the west coast and how the samurai code of ethics can be an anchor in a sea of turmoil, and a guide through the maze of life. It took courage to endure thousands of medical appointments to overcome TBI. Had I given up, I would not have written my book, nor would I be able to share this story with you!

I challenge you to pursue your dreams…and never give up.  Live each day as if it were your last, because one day it will be. Remember this code of bushido, for it can be the key that unlocks your greatness!

NOW, sharpen your swords and let the journey begin!

“The world is waiting for you to unveil your gifts
and talents; what are you waiting for?”
-Lori Tsugawa Whaley

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

In “Let the Samurai Be Your Guide” (Tuttle Publishing), life coach and motivational speaker Lori Tsugawa Whaley traces the far-reaching legacy of the samurai and their meaning in the modern world.

Bushido — the traditional code of the samurai — has permeated all aspects of life and society in Japan, and its influences are still deeply felt today. In contemporary Japan, bushido concepts of bravery and skill in battle are now brought to bear on less martial realms, in the corporate and sports worlds, for example.

Hard work, company loyalty, dedication to quality, and the spirit of teamwork extend the “way of the warrior” into the reconfigured battlefields of the 21st century.

In her unique approach to personal development, Whaley presents the power of these principles by pairing a discussion of seven key strategies for success with profiles of individuals whose lives exemplify those principles.

These stories include:

• Esteemed U.S. senator Daniel Inouye, whose distinguished World War II record paved the way for his life of public service as the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S. history.

• Chiune Sugihara, sometimes referred to as the Japanese Schindler, summoned courage and compassion in saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.

• Michi Nishiura Weglyn, whose selfless quest brought wider attention to the internment of Japanese Americans and helped open the door to the redress efforts begun in the 1980s.

“Let the Samurai Be Your Guide” inspires and encourages readers to embrace their inner warrior — a figure of reason, sound judgment, and outstanding moral character — by understanding that personal power and success doesn’t necessarily derive from physical prowess or effective attack strategies. Instead, readers learn that leading lives of fullness and meaning can be achieved by applying Bushido principles of courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

An author, keynote speaker and professional life coach, Whaley is a third-generation Japanese American baby boomer and a descendant of a samurai warrior. She is on a mission to empower others to reach their full leadership potential no matter their path, heritage or circumstances. She and her husband, John, reside in a Japanese-style home outside of Seattle.

To order the book directly from the publisher, go to www.tuttlepublishing.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

Bushido Values for the Modern World

“Bushido, samurai code of ethics, prepares each of us to see what is important in life.
It is truly the foundation for being a great human being.”
~Patsy Surh O’Connell, founder/president – Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Bushido, the way of the warrior, is the code which the samurai warriors of ancient Japan followed. It was a code of conduct that permeated all aspects of the warriors’ lives. It developed their character and eventually the character of an entire nation, and became a guide in moral and practical instruction. Bushido was the Japanese code of chivalry outlining the personal, social, and professional standards of conduct for the samurai.

The principles of the code of bushido:
• Courage – Yuuki
• Integrity – Gi
• Benevolence – Jin
• Respect – Rei
• Honesty – Makoto
• Honor – Meiyo
• Loyalty – Chuugi

The samurai warriors of ancient Japan dedicated their lives to uphold the principles of bushido. Seven principles, seven words can be summed up in the expression, “Do the right thing all the time.”

“A samurai was essentially a man of action.”
~ Inazo Nitobe, Bushido, The Soul of Japan

In future email newsletters, I will present and discuss the seven principles of the code of bushido to assist you in your daily lives. It is one thing to have knowledge, but the practical application could be invaluable!

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.