My Dear Omega Family:

I apologize for the delay in getting my annual Holiday Letter out to you – the time just caught up to me and that is my excuse. As I get the chance to sit and reflect on 2025, my mind is drawn to the many different types of service that was rendered by all of you throughout the year. There is a saying that I love which describes service to me: “The highest truth cannot be put into words – therefore, the greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service.” Now, for those of you who know me well – I am my mother’s son… therefore, I seem to always have plenty to say. However, I do feel that the greatest teacher leads by example and not just in words – and that is what I am striving to be.

I could take the bulk of this whole letter and detail out all the wonderful acts of service given at the studio this year; and every year for that matter; but, here are a few examples that exemplify the kind of people you all are.

  1. I love coming into the Dojang and finding it clean. The spirit of learning and growth can thrive in a clean and organized studio. Those of you who take the time to make sure the Dojang is clean – Thank you, this is an act of service that does not go unnoticed.
  2. At Omega, we have THE BEST instructors. I can’t tell you how many times I see an instructor pull a student aside to make sure he/she feels comfortable and confident in what they are doing. These small acts of service is a daily occurrence at the Dojang, and I want to make sure our amazing Omega Instructors are recognized for the acts of service (small and large) given to the students and parents of Omega.
  3. We have the 3 BEST Office Managers in the whole world! From helping tie on belts, to helping parents know and understand what is going on with their student, to keeping the office craziness under control. I love knowing that the Omega office is in the best hands!
  4. I LOVE that we took the Omega Christmas Party and dedicated it to serving 4 charitable organizations. This year we focused on serving: The Utah Food Bank, United Way of Utah County, Orem Sober Living Houses, and Primary Children’s hospital. Thank you, thank you to all of you who were willing to support this effort and make it successful. It was truly a special opportunity when Kim and I went and delivered all the donations, the kits, and blankets to these organizations. They all were so grateful and had nothing but love and gratitude for what you all did.

I know that there have been countless other acts that go unmentioned and unseen – thank you! My hope and prayer is that we all make it a goal for this coming 2026 year to act more on the promptings we all get from the spirit inside us to: smile at someone, to hold a door for someone, to give a compliment to a friend or a stranger, to pick up a piece of trash when it’s not yours, to call or text someone who could use a lift, and the list can go on and on. I know with certainty, that when we do follow those promptings, the quiet reward is felt inside our hearts, and we feel a joy deep in our souls.

I love you all with my whole heart and hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Shihan Richard