To the Greatest Teacher, Muhammad Ali

Mohammad Ali (May he rest in peace)

There is still darkness where light shines. But it bows to the light. 

Submitting in awe at its fiery flames.
Muhammad Ali taught me that.
Even at the top of the ladder, at the top of the game, 

you never forget to help anyone at the first step.
Muhammad Ali taught me that.
A fighter never forgets where he got his energy from. 

Where he came from. To Whom he will return. 

He never forgets he belongs to God.
Muhammad Ali taught me that.
If you can imagine success, you're almost there. 

If you can accept failure, you're almost there. 

If you can get back up, you are there.
Muhammad Ali taught me that.
Put nothing before your faith, 

everything after your dreams, 

and anything is yours.
Muhammad Ali lived that.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
You were a teacher. You are a teacher. 

We're still learning your lessons. 
Thank you.

Real Change

Made of paper, exchanged through hands, crumbled in wallets, and sometimes written on—how can this seemingly insignificant object have the power to create power. When you have a lot of it you are “rich”, but rich in what? We are told over and over again that money can’t buy happiness, but isn’t happiness the most fulfilling richness? Money can be a tool; it can get you places and give you things but it is not anything more than a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver. Without you, it is worth nothing. If we live our lives thinking that money will do everything, we will eventually live to do everything for money. Money will not create the success we desire, but it can be our tool to create change. But to make any progress, we must first severe our attachment to money and our attachment to the idea that its accumulation is what can bring us success and happiness. We are the driving force behind our success and our personal enrichment. The only change money can give us is that in quarters, nickels and dimes. We have to bring about the change we wish to see and enrich ourselves with that which money can’t buy.