Today, November 27th, would’ve been the 75th birthday of the man and legend, Bruce Lee.
I haven’t watched all of his movies and I don’t know every detail of his life (though I did see “Kung Fu,” a play based on him), but I think it’s pretty obvious why I (among many others) respect, appreciate and admire him.
Before he passed in 1973, the legendary martial artist played a major role in exposing people around the world to Martial Arts. His influence also went beyond the physical: his teachings included mental and emotional fitness and he was one of the few available role models for minorities at the time. Simply put, he was a positive influence and role model to many for his impact on physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being which has transcended countries, industries, and race.
Not to mention, he embodies everything I appreciate and respect in a human being. He lived simply and with commitment. He went through struggle with vision, persistence and discipline. He was both physically fit and had a fighting spirit. He was courageous and confident. He always aimed for something and had a strong mind. He was charismatic and had presence. He loved life. All of these traits made him an amazing fighter, husband, a father, and a person/man.
Here are some of my favorite Bruce Lee quotes to live by:
If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.
Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.
Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.
I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.
To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities.
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.
Bonus: A letter her wrote to his wife
What a sexy man.
Bruce Lee, you are missed. Thank you for everything you were and contributed.
Painting of Bruce Lee by Joseph Lee
Sincerely,
#BruceLee75
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