If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had moments where life felt too heavy to carry.
You’ve questioned if all your efforts are in vain…
If success is only for those with the right passport, the right family, or the right luck.
Living in Japan as a foreigner, raising children while struggling with broken dreams, financial setbacks, and an emotionally painful marriage—I’ve asked myself these questions more times than I can count.
But something shifted when I discovered a book that’s more than just a guide to business success—it’s a blueprint for karmic transformation.
That book is Karmic Management by Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally, and Michael Gordon.
Why I Chose to Read This Book
I first heard about Karmic Management through Kevin Trudeau on The Kevin Trudeau Show on YouTube. He passionately recommended this book to anyone looking to take control of their life using spiritual and universal laws. He said, “This book can change your life for good.”
That statement stirred something inside me.
Because I want my life to change for good.
I want freedom, peace, and abundance—not just for myself, but for my daughters.
So I dove into this book with a heart wide open. And what I found was not just hope—but a clear path forward.
Let me share with you what I’ve learned, rule by rule, and how each principle is helping me rebuild my life from the ground up.
Success Is Karmic, Not Random
One of the most powerful—yet hardest—truths I encountered in this book is this:
Success is not random.
It’s karmic.
At first, I didn’t want to accept that.
In fact, I cried over it.
Because deep down I asked myself:
“What kind of seeds did I plant to deserve a life like this?”
A failed marriage.
Mediocrity.
Unfulfilled dreams that haunt me in silence.
A heart that’s been trampled on—over and over again.
And the pain only deepened as I looked back.
I realized that maybe, without knowing, I did plant the seeds that led here.
I carried so much hatred and resentment for my stepmother, who mistreated me for years.
I carried silent heartbreak from my father, who didn’t support me enough to take up nursing or chase the dreams I once believed in.
And from that place of pain, I began to believe I wasn’t worthy of support, success, or love.
I didn’t realize it back then…
But every thought of “I’m not enough,”
Every emotion of “I’m not seen,”
Every silent surrender of “Maybe this is all life has for me”—
Planted seeds I didn’t mean to sow.
Seeds of frustration.
Seeds of discouragement.
Seeds of unworthiness.
And they grew into the life I woke up in—one I didn’t recognize as my own.
But something inside me is changing now.
All the powerful books I’ve been reading…
All the inspiring stories I’ve seen on YouTube…
All the voices telling me that my life can still be designed—by me—are planting new seeds in me now.
I may not have known how karma worked before.
But now I do.
So I’m learning to forgive myself…
To stop blaming my past…
And to start using the knowledge I have today to create the life I’m meant to live.
From now on, I want to be a conscious planter—
Sowing seeds of love, hope, truth, and intention…
Even if it takes time.
Even if the harvest is still far away.
Because if karma is real—and I now believe it is—
Then I can design my future based on what I give today.
The Karmic Management
When Kevin first recommended Karmic Management, I thought it would simply be another business book. But as I began reading, I realized it was far more than strategies for success — it was a spiritual blueprint for life itself. Written by Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally, and Michael Gordon, the book unveils eight profound rules for creating not only wealth and career success, but also peace, purpose, and lasting joy. And as a foreigner raising my children in Japan, navigating the challenges of cultural adaptation, financial struggles, and the quiet ache of being far from home, I found these lessons resonating in ways that were deeply personal. They weren’t just theories to try; they became guiding principles on how we can turn every challenge into a seed for something greater.
KM Rule #1: Stop Doing Things That Don’t Work
What it means:
This rule is a call to courage. It’s about recognizing when the methods, habits, and mindsets you’re clinging to are not producing the results you want—and being brave enough to let them go.
Powerful lessons:
Continuing with actions that don’t work isn’t persistence—it’s self-sabotage. The karmic truth is that if you keep planting the same seeds, you will keep harvesting the same crop. In business and life, stopping what doesn’t work makes space for something better to grow.
Life in Japan:
When I first arrived here, I carried the “hustle culture” mentality from my past life—the belief that if I just worked longer hours, sacrificed sleep, and gave up personal time, success would be inevitable. But in Japan, I found myself utterly drained—disconnected from my dreams and no closer to the life I envisioned. The Japanese work ethic is legendary, but I discovered it’s not just about working hard—it’s about working with intention. Once I had the courage to stop following the old “push harder” mindset, I found freedom to work smarter, with more joy, and to actually live.
How to use the law:
Ask yourself honestly: What am I doing out of habit that isn’t delivering results? Then make the decision to stop. Use that freed-up time and energy to experiment with new, joy-aligned actions.
Practical steps:
- Make a list of your daily/weekly activities and mark which ones actually bring results.
- Eliminate or delegate what doesn’t serve your goals.
- Replace one ineffective habit this week with one small, positive seed-planting action.
KM Rule #2: Find the Cause of the Causes
What it means:
Most people try to solve problems at the surface level, but the “cause of the cause” is the deeper seed that created the problem in the first place.
Powerful lessons:
Every result you see in life—good or bad—started with an invisible cause: a thought, word, or action you planted in the past. When you solve problems at their root, you change the harvest forever.
Life in Japan:
Here, I’ve noticed the quiet, intentional way people approach life—from how tea is poured to how a garden is tended. It reminded me that my financial struggles weren’t truly about money—they were rooted in an inherited scarcity mindset and deep-seated fears from childhood. I’d absorbed the belief that I would always have to struggle, that support was something other people got, not me. Once I saw that, I began planting new seeds—offering generosity even when my budget was tight, and speaking abundance into my life.
How to use the law:
Look beyond the problem you see. Ask yourself: What belief, action, or pattern might have created this? Then work on changing that seed instead of fighting the surface symptom.
Practical steps:
- Write down a current problem.
- Trace it back to the earliest belief or event that might have caused it.
- Plant a new, opposite karmic seed (e.g., if the root is scarcity, plant generosity).
KM Rule #3: Identify Your Karmic Business Partners
What it means:
Your “business partners” aren’t just colleagues or clients—they’re anyone you interact with regularly and exchange energy with.
Powerful lessons:
Every relationship is a karmic exchange. The kindness, respect, and presence you bring to these connections are seeds that will grow into the opportunities and blessings of your future. If you surround yourself with people who plant weeds—negativity, gossip, selfishness—your garden will suffer. If you nurture relationships with people who plant beauty—kindness, encouragement, integrity—your life will flourish.
Life in Japan:
When I first arrived here, I thought my only “business partners” were anyone I collaborated with professionally. But life in Japan taught me something humbling: my karmic partners also include my children, my neighbors, the ladies at the local supermarket who always greet me warmly, even the cashier at the convenience store who bows as he hands me my change. Every smile, every act of patience, every thank-you in halting Japanese is a karmic investment. I’ve seen it return in surprising ways—a kind friend saving me the last seasonal dessert for my daughters, a municipal clerk who is so kind to me, or a stranger going out of their way to guide me when I got lost. Here, every interaction feels like a seed being planted in the soil of the community.
How to use the law:
Treat every interaction as part of your karmic portfolio. Invest kindness generously, as if your future depends on it—because it does.
Practical steps:
- Make a list of your top 5 most frequent human interactions.
- Commit to showing extra kindness, patience, or generosity in each.
- Watch how your relationships—and results—shift over time.
KM Rule #4: Start from Yourself
What it means:
Real change begins not by wishing others would change, but by embodying the qualities you want to experience.
Powerful lessons:
The energy you bring into a room shapes what happens there. If you want a kinder world, be kinder. If you want respect, practice respect. Your life’s atmosphere is created from the inside out.
Life in Japan:
I used to silently resent certain situations—an unsupportive marriage, financial strain, feeling like an outsider. I thought that if my husband his ill treatment of me would change, things would improve. But Japanese culture taught me the beauty of starting from within. Here, people bow not because others “deserve” it, but because it reflects their own standard of respect. When I started embodying the life I wanted—responding with mindful intentions, being more present with my kids, greeting neighbors warmly—the world around me shifted without me forcing it.
How to use the law:
Stop waiting for others to “do better” first. Plant the seed yourself.
Practical steps:
- Choose one quality you wish others would show you.
- Practice showing that exact quality to others for 30 days.
- Notice how the energy around you changes.
Seven Point Program for a Clear Mind
Before I could fully embrace Karmic Management in my daily life here in Japan, I realized I needed a mind that was clear, calm, and ready to plant the right seeds. The truth is, living as a foreigner in a fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming environment can scatter your energy in a hundred directions. I was constantly juggling motherhood, work, and cultural adjustments, often leaving little space to care for myself. That’s when I discovered the Seven Point Program for a Clear Mind, from the book— simple yet powerful practices that help me stay grounded, focused, and in harmony with the life I want to create. These aren’t just “wellness tips”; they’ve become a way to balance, clarity, and purpose.
1. Do Yoga: Find a Moment to Breathe and Reconnect
Honestly, when I first came to Japan, I was so busy just surviving—juggling motherhood, work, and adapting to a new culture—that the idea of doing yoga felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. Mindfulness and self-care weren’t even on my radar because every minute seemed packed with tasks and worries.
But then, I started hearing how yoga could gently restore not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Curious and hopeful, I began watching beginner yoga videos, sneaking in even just five minutes of simple stretches in my home.
What surprised me was how those few minutes became moments of calm in my chaotic days—tiny islands of peace where I could breathe deeply, release tension, and remember to care for myself. Yoga didn’t have to be perfect or long; it just had to be done.
Now, even on the busiest days, I try to find a little space to move and breathe. It’s my quiet act of kindness toward myself—a small but powerful way to reconnect and recharge.
2. Start Meditating: Embrace the Quiet Within the Noise
Meditation was never something I thought I could do. My mind was too busy—always racing with worries about my children, finances, and the many challenges of living in a foreign country. Sitting still felt impossible, and honestly, a little intimidating.
But as I learned more about the power of meditation, I realized it’s not about stopping thoughts or being “perfect.” It’s about gently observing whatever is there, allowing myself a few moments of peace in the middle of chaos. Sometimes, I meditate in the quiet corner of my home, other times outside where I can feel the soft breeze or hear the distant hum of the city.
These moments have become a lifeline—a way to center myself, soothe anxiety, and invite clarity into my life. Meditation has taught me that even in the busiest, most challenging days, I can always find a still point to reset and breathe.
3. Follow a Personal Ethical Code: Stand Firm in Who You Are
Living far from the familiar warmth of my homeland and surrounded by a culture with its own rules and rhythms, I’ve learned how important it is to hold onto my own values. It’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed by differences, but my personal ethical code has been my anchor.
For me, kindness, honesty, and resilience aren’t just ideals—they’re daily practices. I strive to show kindness to my children, to myself, and even to those moments when life feels tough. Honesty helps me face my reality without hiding behind excuses, and resilience keeps me going when the road is hard.
Having this code gives me strength and clarity, reminding me that no matter where I am, I can choose how I show up. It’s a quiet power that guides me, even when everything else feels uncertain.
4. Keep Learning: Growth Is a Lifelong Journey
Every day in Japan is a new lesson—whether it’s mastering a few Japanese phrases, understanding cultural nuances, or learning how to manage my blog and family life across continents.
Learning keeps me curious and alive. It reminds me that I am not stuck, even when circumstances are tough. The Japanese value kaizen, or continuous improvement, and I’ve embraced this in my own way—taking small steps, reading books, watching tutorials, and absorbing wisdom from fellow dreamers.
For me, learning isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about hope, transformation, and the belief that the future can always be better than today.
5. Service: Finding Meaning in Giving
When life feels heavy, giving—even just a little—has become my balm. Service doesn’t have to be grand; sometimes it’s a smile to a stranger or answering a reader’s message. These acts remind me that I am connected to others, that I matter, and that my small contributions ripple out in ways I may never fully see.
In my home and community, offering kindness helps break the isolation that can come from being a foreigner. It grounds me and fills my spirit in unexpected ways. Giving reminds me that despite challenges, I am part of something larger—something full of hope and possibility.
6. Eat Skillfully: Nourish Your Body, Honor Your Life
For the longest time, I didn’t pay much attention to what I was putting into my body. As long as I felt full, I thought I was good. But slowly, I realized that mindless eating left me feeling tired, sluggish, and unproductive—like I was dragging through my days instead of living them fully.
Here in Japan, where food is celebrated as an art and a ritual, I’ve started learning to slow down and be truly mindful about what I eat. Choosing fresh, seasonal ingredients and savoring each bite has become an act of self-respect—a way to honor this body that carries me through every challenge and every joy.
When I eat skillfully, I’m not just feeding hunger—I’m fueling my dreams, my energy, and my clarity. It’s a small but powerful step toward treating myself with the kindness I deserve.
7. Rest and Relax: Give Yourself Permission to Pause and Recharge
For the longest time, I believed that resting was a luxury I couldn’t afford. As a mother, a foreigner, and someone trying to build a new life in Japan, every moment felt like a race—one where slowing down meant falling behind.
But I’ve come to realize that rest is not weakness; it’s survival. It’s a radical act of self-love and wisdom. Whether it’s soaking in a warm bath in my home after a long day, curling up with a book in a quiet corner, or simply closing my eyes for a few deep breaths, these pauses restore my spirit and clear my mind.
Japan’s gentle rhythms—like the quiet evenings, the soft rustling of leaves, or the slow unfolding of the seasons—remind me that life itself moves in cycles. Embracing rest has helped me honor my own natural rhythms, find balance, and show up for my family and dreams with renewed energy and calm.
Learning to rest without guilt has been one of the hardest and most powerful lessons of my journey. It’s the secret fuel that keeps me moving forward with strength and grace.
Living far from home and chasing big dreams isn’t easy, but these seven practices have taught me that true strength comes from nurturing myself from the inside out. Each small choice—to move, breathe, learn, give, and rest—adds up to a life lived with intention and heart.
No matter where your journey takes you, I hope you find comfort in these simple habits and the courage to make them your own. After all, the path to a clear mind and peaceful heart begins with the gentle care you give yourself today.
KM Rule #5: Stop Making Decisions
What it means:
Don’t shoulder big decisions alone—bring others into the process.
Powerful lessons:
Karma grows in community. When you involve others, you not only gain wisdom, but you also plant seeds of trust, respect, and collaboration that grow stronger results.
Life in Japan:
Here, harmony (wa) is a guiding principle. Decisions—even small ones—are often made with group consensus in mind. At first, this felt slow compared to the “decide fast, act faster” mentality I came from. But I’ve learned it’s karmic wisdom. When I started seeking my children’s input on family matters, asking fellow moms for advice, and inviting readers to help shape my blog content, everything became lighter. I wasn’t just making choices—I was building bonds.
How to use the law:
See decision-making as an act of relationship-building, not just problem-solving.
Practical steps:
- Before making a decision, ask for advice from someone you respect.
- Include the voices of people affected by your choice.
- Trust that shared decisions plant stronger seeds.
KM Rule #6: Load Your Stapler
What it means:
Prepare now, before opportunities arrive.
Powerful lessons:
Luck favors the ready. If your “tools” are always loaded—your skills honed, your mindset clear—you can act immediately when the moment comes.
My life in Japan:
Japanese trains are famous for being on time to the minute. Life here runs on the belief that preparation is respect—respect for others’ time and for your own future. I’ve adopted this mindset in my blog and motherhood. I keep blog drafts and photos ready, like a writer’s “loaded stapler.” I prepare school essentials ahead of time so mornings aren’t chaos. I even keep an emergency umbrella in my car, because Japan’s sudden changing weather has taught me—life rewards the prepared.
How to use the law:
Prepare for the opportunities you want, not just the ones you expect.
Practical steps:
- Identify one goal and list everything you’d need ready for it.
- Start preparing those items now.
- Keep your “stapler” loaded daily.
KM Rule #7: Ride Your Problems Over the Top
What it means:
Push through challenges instead of giving up halfway.
Powerful lessons:
Problems aren’t walls—they’re ramps. If you stop in the middle, you’ll slide back. But if you push just a little more, momentum will carry you over the top.
Life in Japan:
When I sometimes bike to the convenience store nearby, there’s a steep hill along the way. If I slow down halfway, I roll back—every single time. That’s exactly how my bigger struggles have felt: adjusting to a foreign culture, paying off debts, rebuilding my identity after heartbreak. Each time I wanted to quit, I reminded myself of that hill—how the hardest push is always right before the summit. And sure enough, every time I stayed with the climb, I ended up somewhere higher and freer.
How to use the law:
When things feel impossible, tell yourself the summit is closer than it looks.
Practical steps:
- Choose one current problem you’re tempted to give up on.
- Commit to taking one small action toward solving it every day.
- Celebrate small progress to keep momentum.
KM Rule #8: Re-invest the Karma
What it means:
Don’t consume all your success—plant some of it back for the future.
Powerful lessons:
Abundance grows when you share it. Generosity isn’t losing—it’s multiplying.
Life in Japan:
Living in Japan has made me deeply grateful for the kindness I’ve received—whether it’s a neighbor quietly helping carry groceries, a stranger offering directions with a gentle smile, or a friend lending an understanding ear during tough times. These moments remind me that generosity and support often come in the simplest forms, but their impact is profound.
Because of this, I’ve made it my intention to return that kindness in every interaction, no matter how small. I believe that when you meet others with a sincere heart and genuine care, you’re planting powerful karmic seeds that will grow into lasting blessings.
In a country where unspoken acts of kindness are woven into everyday life, reinvesting karma isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about living with an open heart, ready to give back the grace you’ve been given. This practice has made my life here richer, more connected, and filled with warmth beyond what words can express.
How to use the law:
Turn every blessing into a seed for the next harvest.
Practical steps:
- After any success, set aside 10% (time, money, energy) to give back.
- Choose a cause or person who can benefit from your win.
- Make it a habit to reinvest every time.
Don’t Stop Here: Going Further with Karmic Management
Karmic Management isn’t just a set of principles to follow—it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Living in Japan, I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent actions ripple outward, creating change in ways we often don’t immediately see. A simple bow, a thoughtful gesture, or a moment of patience can carry profound karmic weight, shifting the energy not just around us but within us.
This journey is about more than business success or personal goals—it’s about designing a life rooted in intention, kindness, and resilience. As a mother, a dreamer, and a foreigner, I’ve learned that every seed I plant—whether in my family, my work, or my community—shapes the harvest I’ll receive.
So don’t stop here. Keep exploring, keep planting, keep growing. Let Karmic Management be your compass, guiding you to live a life of purpose and joy, no matter where you are in the world. The seeds you sow today will bloom into the future you dream of—one mindful, loving step at a time.
Planting Seeds for a Life You Truly Desire
Reading Karmic Management has reminded me that every challenge, every moment of doubt, and every small victory is part of a larger story—one where I am the gardener of my own destiny. Living as a foreigner and a mother in Japan, I understand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed or stuck, but this journey has taught me that the life I long for isn’t random or out of reach. It is the harvest of the seeds I choose to plant today.
I invite you to look inward and ask: What seeds am I planting? Am I watering habits and thoughts that nourish my dreams, or am I holding onto old patterns that no longer serve me? The power to change, to grow, and to create a life filled with purpose and joy lies within you.
Keep planting with intention, tending your karmic garden with patience, and trusting that with every mindful act—no matter how small—you are moving closer to the life you were meant to live.
