To work toward loving kindness and compassion is as much the warrior’s goal as is being strong and focused enough to navigate through life with decision and precision. A warrior is soft and tender when appropriate but also knows when it is time to take a stand and be strong. A warrior is loving and gentle and yet is always keenly alert, aware that there are predators nearby seeking attention and attachment.

A warrior is full of gratitude, thankful for every day of life, yet a warrior does not fear the end of life. A warrior strives to accomplish great things in life, yet constantly seeks to shed the ego and the trappings of too much of the world, for a warrior knows there is nothing of this world that will last. It is all an illusion, but solid nonetheless, every day a test. And yet a warrior also knows that the biggest test is yet to come.

And so a warrior is always mindful to learn as much as possible in the flow of everyday life, keeping energy focused and aware at all times. A warrior is always ready to move on when the time is right, thankful for the opportunity to embrace new adventures and new life, thankful for the journey taken, ready for the journey ahead.

A warrior is always responsible. A warrior does not leave others wondering or let people down. A warrior shows up. A warrior is committed, on time, and on the ball. A warrior seeks to be impeccable. If a warrior slips up, a warrior does not shirk from owning that fact, but states the truth.

A warrior knows that awareness is equally as important and valuable in reality as it is in spirituality, so a warrior uses the world to practice, hone, and carry out the attributes that are necessary for evolutionary growth, for a warrior knows that the world is but a mirror image of other worlds. A warrior is not fooled into thinking that this world does not matter or that once death comes there will be no more challenges.

A warrior knows that everything matters and everything counts, and so a warrior takes full responsibility for every word, action, and deed. A warrior is always practicing the art of being a warrior, day and night, inwardly and outwardly, in reality and in spirit. Always.

Even along a path with heart the vicissitudes of life appear, the difficulties one must face, the challenges to be met. An easy life is rare, a life of ease an illusion, only an idea, for even a life without care is a life full of challenges. Do not look upon another’s journey as either ideal or difficult but as it should be, for all journeys are filled with all that is needed.

Learn what you can from the lives of others, but without envy or judgment turn always inward, back to your own, and make it meaningful. Whether you would define it as a path with heart or not, it is yours alone to live, discover, and evolve. How you do it is up to you. And how another does it is up to them. As you turn forward into a new day, behold your own life, in all that it offers you and challenges you with. And make the most of it!

When things get tough the moment has arrived to stand your ground, for it is not beneficial to run from disharmony. Far better to get in tune with it, learn from it and move on singing a new song. For life does not always go smoothly. Even a path with heart dips into darkness, taking the journeyer on a path of necessity, that which must be faced. No one is going to be denied that which is necessary.

And so, when life throws tantrums, raise your voice and muster your energy to bear down and belt out a new tune while taking the ride it offers. In the end you will be glad you did, for all roads lead to the final outcome you seek, harmony with your true self, and that is something to sing about!