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Live as Swan

  • Aug 14, 2018
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 19


Reflections on when I spent early August embraced by the hidden and not so hidden gems of Toronto.

Our life a swan upon our own pond, each ripple a graceful reminder of smooth and new (or renewed) beginnings.

I was there for a race--the 2018 NACAC Championships, prepared and ready for a podium finish and possibly a personal best. I felt confident I'd be bringing home Track & Field's equivalent of a coveted gem: A podium finish and medal. Instead, I gained something that won't tarnish: an inner sense of bliss and happiness...fulfillment. A triumph of positive vibes and choice elation.

The picture-story I came into Toronto visualizing and what I left with is one of a related but different genre--one with a more poetic tone.

I'm sure (I know) others would take a look at my race result (and when you hear some of the other "mishaps" that occurred mere hours before the starting-gunshot) you may (mistakenly) assume I leave with a cup half full of disappointment. But no. Sure, the race wasn't and isn't my best performance of my life but let me tell you: This whole NACAC experience in Toronto has been one of my best and successful trips of the year. Maybe not my race result but the experience encompassing it is worth a thousand+ snapshots of smiles and fulfillment.

Because sometimes a medal-winning performance comes wrapped in a different package

and for an unexpected purpose; A different one to behold.

Even when there's ripples the skyline is beautiful and inner peace gives a wink of love as does a setting sun.

another opportunity to be grateful for the golden moments disguised as Silver or Bronze (or DQ)

TRUST THE JOURNEY, for your journey is writing itself with each step, decision, and breath you make. The vivid color--our memories created (with each birthing second)--being present enhances the color that gift us a sense of purity: our Yang. An 'S' slithers gracefully upon our lips--demonstrating our ability to separate while simultaneously be able to remain connected...unifying the darkness and the light. Life of shadow and light--giving and retrieving color: a consistent reminder that we are strong and enduring. The Yin and the Yang are our truth. Where there is dark there is enough light to balance, and where there is darkness there is only enough to remind us how breathtakingly beautiful (and necessary) the two extremes are--because without either of them we'd have nothing OR everything...and too much of a good thing bleeds into nothingness and then nothingness renews into somethingness. The cycle continues, infinite. Full circle.

******************************

Each second--this: A fresh start. Dear White Swan, a sign of pure potential - representing that clean slate upon which anything can be created. Dear Black Swan, an indication of deep mysteries within that are longing to be set free to express creatively.

I harness and cherish both.

Song of the Month:

'In My Life,' The Beatles

 
 
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cr: Jose Carlos Fajardo

| BayArea News

About Me & BeGolden℠ Success
Values-driven purpose and integrity are
of my highest regard—and are key ingredients
to BEING golden.​
​

To be golden is to embody humble leadership

and simultaneously not dismiss

your inner power to reap success with integrity.

​

After committing nearly two decades of my life to representing TeamUSA, in May 2025 I became a retired Olympian. I have since shifted my profession from Athletics to investing my time into clients, driving elite performance into impactful results.

 

I turned my athlete BeGolden℠ motto and brand into a service that gives back to community and ESG-minded individuals—I coach the facilitation of healthy habits that are lead components of highly effective leadership and development. ​

​

People come to me for:

Business ethics and compliance initiatives, collaborative program management, and to help them develop tools to proactively embody personal and professional fulfillment.

 

Clients are walked through assessments, habit formation, application of self-knowledge paired with clarity, and how to reap the benefits of self-directed commitment to accountability.

 

The focus areas and tools at the heart of BeGolden℠ Success:

 

  • Assessing and understanding key pillars of

      Well-being,

  • Motivational Interviewing,

  • Multi-Health System’s Emotional Intelligence EQ-i 2.0 & 360 (team and individual assessment),

  • an applicable understanding of Enneagram and Attachment Theory.​

​​

Self-discipline and direction,
paired with guidance from trusted sources
of expertise, is how dreams are made reality. 

 

The phrase ‘BeGolden' is one I have used to motivate myself through adversity—inspired by observing my beloved golden retriever, April, who is the epitome of what it means to be: BeGolden Success. Dogs teach humanity about resiliency, how to exhibit unconditional love and how the act of acceptance resonates; to exhibit embodiment of universal principles unabashedly, and perseverance through disappointment, illness, heart-break, and adversity.

 

Lymphoma took April from Earth too soon, and yet inspired a commitment to finish a mission I had started but had abandoned years prior to having her in my life. She endured much and through all, she persisted at exuding love, compassion, self-discipline, and a will to make the most of her life—with heart and humble leadership. She inspired me to BE GOLDEN (to be more like her, to advocate universal principles unabashedly). She was intelligent, family-oriented, athletic and active, mindful, playful, unwavering, and she persevered through anxiety and through circumstances and environments that continually change. 

 

Our well-being is more than fitness and healthy eating, BeGolden℠Success is an embodiment that harnesses eight key pillars of leadership and development:

​

- financial health,

- career satisfaction,

- sense of community,

- family connectedness,

- sense of joy/spiritual (separating from toxic ego),

- physical fitness,

- general components of health that keep us mobile, and

- mental fitness (self-knowing with accountability).

​​

Brief bio:

I was born in California among mountains and the eclectic lifestyles of the Bay Area. My profession and interests take me exploring worldwide.

My fuel is curiosity.​ 

​

I believe community thrives on creativity and commitment to having a proactive role in life.  

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