A long time ago, there lived a wise warrior sage in the wooded mountains. He dedicated his later years to study, training, and meditation and was known throughout the land for his wisdom. People from all walks of life came to visit him and seek his guidance. Regardless of the question, the wise sage had the correct answer. Just as his sword cut through targets, the warrior sage cut to the essence of any problem or issue. He became famous for the answers, solutions, and guidance he offered to all that sought him out.

At the base of the mountain where the warrior sage lived, there was a small village. Several young boys from this village enjoyed trekking up the mountain path to where the warrior sage would share his wisdom, answer questions, and every once in a while share a little of his physical trainings with the young boys. A game developed between the group of boys and the wise man of the mountain. The boys continually tried to think of a question that the old man could not answer, but were never successful.

One day, the prankster of the group, a boy named Toro, announced to the other boys, "I finally have a question that the old man will not be able to answer." Toro opened his hands to show the others a small Shrike he had found in a nearby nest. "We will go ask the old man if the bird in my hands is alive or dead. If he says it is dead, I will show him the little living bird. If he says it is alive, I will crush it and the bird will be dead. Either way, the old man will be wrong, and we will have finally stumped him."

The group hurried up the hill behind Toro to witness the old man’s first wrong answer. As they neared the old warrior's cabin, they saw him out back practicing a form with his sword. When he saw them, he smoothly sheathed the razor sharp blade and effortlessly walked toward them noticing their eager looks. Toro stepped forward and asked, "Is the bird in my hands alive, or is it dead?"

The old warrior’s eyes seemed to reflect a coldness that the boys had never seen before. They were eyes that had seen more than their share of death. At the same time, there was a compassion and tenderness in those eyes that seemed unequaled. The warrior sage looked at the mischievous Toro and softly spoke, "My son, the answer is in your hands."

This ancient story reflects on a truth that is shared by almost everyone in most situations. Almost everything that happens to you is in your hands. We are the masters of our own destinies. Our futures are up to us.

The choices and decisions you make will determine the results you achieve. You can go to the finest university, but the education you receive will be in your hands. You can seek out the greatest of martial art masters, but your training will be in your hands. You can land a job, but you success will be in your hands. Bookstores and libraries are full of books to help you learn and achieve in all areas, but reading them is in your hands.

We are responsible for our own lives. No one else is going to do it for you. You must take responsibility and realize that your life, your future, your successes, are in your hands.