Persian New Year

 We've just started to celebrate the Persian New Year in my family and I love this time of year. 

Last Week:

"Chaharshanbe Suri festivities typically involve the following customs and rituals:

1. Lighting Bonfires: People gather in open spaces, such as parks or streets, where bonfires are lit. These fires are often fueled by wood, brushwood, or other combustible materials.

2. 
   

   Jumping Over Fire: Participants take turns leaping over the flames while chanting a traditional Persian rhyme: "Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man" (translated as "May my yellow paleness be yours, and your red glow be mine"). This ritual is performed with joy and excitement, with friends and family cheering each other on.

3. 
   

   Music and Dance: Festivities often include music, drumming, and dancing around the bonfires. People come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the impending New Year with joyous expressions of unity and solidarity.

4. 
   

   Food and Refreshments: Traditional Persian snacks, sweets, and beverages are shared among participants, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

5. 
   

   Fireworks and Sparklers: In addition to bonfires, fireworks and sparklers are often used to add to the festive atmosphere, illuminating the night sky with bursts of color and light.

6. 
   

   Wishes and Prayers: Many people make wishes or offer prayers as they jump over the fire, expressing their hopes and aspirations for the future. It is considered a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the coming year.

Overall, Chaharshanbe Suri is a joyous and spirited celebration that brings communities together to welcome the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The tradition of jumping over fire serves as a powerful symbol of purification, transformation, and the triumph of light over darkness." - Chat GPT 3.5

Football (Soccer) Zone

 "Stepping out of your comfort zone" in soccer is a huge part of the game. Every moment is new and adaptable. 

Comfort Zone

"Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal growth and development. Here are some reasons why it's important:

1. Embracing Change: Growth often requires change, and staying in your comfort zone can keep you stagnant. By stepping out, you adapt to new situations and learn to navigate uncertainty, which is a valuable skill in life.

2. 
   

   Discovering Strengths: You might surprise yourself by discovering skills and strengths you didn't know you had when facing challenges outside your comfort zone. It's an opportunity to push your limits and realize your full potential.

3. 
   

   Building Resilience: Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles builds resilience. When you step out of your comfort zone, you learn to bounce back from failure, which is crucial for success in any aspect of life.

4. 
   

   Expanding Perspectives: Trying new things exposes you to different perspectives and ways of thinking. This can broaden your horizons, increase empathy, and enhance your understanding of the world around you.

5. 
   

   Boosting Confidence: Successfully navigating unfamiliar situations boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Each time you step out of your comfort zone and overcome a challenge, you reinforce the belief in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

6. 
   

   Fostering Creativity: Comfort zones can stifle creativity and innovation. When you venture into uncharted territory, you're forced to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems, leading to personal and professional growth.

7. 
   

   Seizing Opportunities: Many opportunities lie beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. Whether it's a new job, a new hobby, or a new relationship, taking risks and exploring unfamiliar territory can lead to exciting opportunities and experiences.

Remember, stepping out of your comfort zone doesn't mean taking reckless risks. It's about calculated risks that push you just beyond your current limits, helping you grow and thrive in the process." - Chat GPT 3.5

St. Patrick's Day Strykers Game

 It's game day for the Empire Strykers and there are St. Patrick's Day celebrations in order at the Toyota Arena! The kickoff is at 4:05pm PST but the doors open at 2:30 for some fun St. Patrick's day festivities such as the "Paddy Party" located on the North patio. Parking is $15. For more information and tickets, please visit theempirestrykers.com. 

Motivation

 "Staying motivated can sometimes be a challenge, but there are several strategies you can try to help maintain your momentum:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals for yourself. Break them down into smaller tasks and create a plan to work towards them. Having a clear sense of direction can keep you focused and motivated.

2. 
   

   Find Your Why: Reflect on why you want to achieve your goals. Understanding your reasons and the benefits of your efforts can provide a sense of purpose and motivation to keep going, especially during challenging times.

3. 
   

   Celebrate Progress: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognize and reward yourself for reaching milestones along the way. This positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and motivation to continue making progress.

4. 
   

   Stay Inspired: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration. Whether it's books, podcasts, TED talks, or quotes from successful individuals, expose yourself to content that uplifts and motivates you to pursue your goals.

5. 
   

   Stay Organized: Maintain a well-organized workspace and schedule. Clearing clutter and establishing a routine can help reduce distractions and increase productivity, making it easier to stay motivated and focused on your tasks.

6. 
   

   Stay Positive: Cultivate a positive mindset and practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your efforts, and embrace setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Positive thinking can help you stay resilient and motivated in the face of challenges.

7. 
   

   Find Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and believe in you. Share your goals with friends, family, or mentors who can provide accountability, encouragement, and guidance along your journey.

8. 
   

   Mix Things Up: Keep things interesting by trying new approaches, exploring different methods, or setting new challenges for yourself. Variety can prevent boredom and reignite your enthusiasm for your goals.

9. 
   

   Take Breaks: Don't forget to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Listen to your body and mind, and give yourself permission to step away from your work when needed. Taking breaks can prevent burnout and help you maintain long-term motivation.

10. 
    

    Visualize Success: Visualize yourself achieving your goals and imagine how it will feel once you've accomplished them. Use visualization techniques to reinforce your motivation and keep your eyes on the prize.

Remember that motivation may fluctuate, and that's okay. It's important to be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate your journey towards your goals." - Chat GPT 3.5

Forward Movement

 What did you look forward to when you were young? What do you look forward to now? 

Stryker Stars

 You can cheer on some of our fellow Strykers who are playing for the Tacoma Stars in a big game tonight at 7pm PST via https://www.twitch.tv/masl_soccer/schedule?segmentID=8811254c-9051-46db-949b-2eb59f6294ba and I'm sorry I guess there isn't a game this morning at 10am. For more information you can visit Twitch.tv MASL_soccer. 

For more information about the Strykers you can visit theempirestrykers.com.