Recollection of a decade .. welcoming 2010!
The holidays have always been a time of reflection for me, a time to look back on what has been and look forward to what may be. This is a special time as we end this first decade of the 21st Century. I’d like to end this present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright new year with this video from my most recent charity journey.
There are many similarities between this year and this decade for me. I started the decade playing my cash games, first in Las Vegas and then eventually in LA. I learned my game playing LHE, long before No-Limit became the game of choice in poker rooms. I moved into tournament play halfway through the decade in 2005, making my first WSOP final table with Allen Cunningham, CK Hua, Devilfish Ulliott, Scott Fischman, and An Tran. I’ve done well since then, making other final tables around the world and taking down a tournament here and there.
As many of you know, the decade also brought personal loss and struggles for me. I lost my father two years ago after his battle with health problems. I’ve worked hard to honor him and persevere, but it has not been easy for me. I’m afraid as hardened as I’ve become over the years, I’m still very much Daddy’s little girl.
I’ve returned to my homeland of Vietnam throughout the decade. Each time brings me great comfort and fulfillment, but each time there also seems to dig a little hole into my heart. I’m not sure what it is. I wish sometimes I could just grind away there like I do at the poker table, but it takes more out of me than that.
This decade has also been a time where finding balance has been hard. Poker, my marketing partners, tournaments, the hardships of glamorous travel, trying to find some way to stay connected to friends. It hasn’t been easy, and it seems to get more difficult with every blurry week.
And now 2009 comes to an end, a year as difficult for most of us as any has ever been. I’ve been fortunate in many ways, but many of my friends and fans continue to face grave hardship. For those of you who don’t get to Las Vegas, you would be amazed at the many houses for sale. People who were out of work used to be looked down upon; now, it is commonplace to find friends who have been unemployed for a year or more.
Even though I’ve weathered this year fairly well, it has caused me to become more serious and more focused. I’ve always been known for my aggression at the tables, and I think it is time for all of us to become more aggressive in how we make it through 2010. That doesn’t mean being rude or obnoxious, but it does mean taking control of our situation whatever that situation may be. I also think it is a time to protect our self interest without becoming self-centered.
My plan for 2010: to spend more time at the tables in cash games, to achieve my goals for the year in poker, to do fewer things away from the table but be sure they are more meaningful, to slow down a little bit, to take care of myself, and to reach out to a few old friends. Don’t let the year get started without setting goals for yourself.
I want to also thank all of my readers and fans here on my blog, on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, Chilipoker, and anywhere else you may bump into me. All of the kind words and encouragement are greatly appreciated.
New Year is the time to unfold new horizons & realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength & faith within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures & gear up for new challenges. Wishing everyone a truly fulfilling 2010!
Cheers!
Tags: charity, chilipoker, economy, happy new year, lifestyle, liz lieu, new years, plans, poker, pro poker player, thankful, the poker diva, welcome 2010
December 29th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Loved following you in 2009. You really bring a fresh character to poker blogging going back and forth between your life at the tables and away from them. Keep it up!
December 30th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Liz,
I only started following your life at the tables and elsewhere this past year. You have inspired me in ways I can’t begin to describe.
Because of you:
I am going to continue in my quest to become a great poker player and…
I am going to go back to helping the poor people of Nicaragua. (I had to stop due to finances).
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
May the New Year fill that hole in your heart and bring you peace.
With Love,
One of your biggest fans,
Mike.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Liz,
You said it very eloquently, it’s about aggression not in terms of anger, but in terms of commitment and will, and 2010, will be the year that all the last decade’s hard work and teachings get you the results you’re working for.
You’re friends don’t forget you, and do what they can to support you.
Focus on the Cash games, get the results you want. and I’ll hold you to “to do fewer things away from the table but be sure they are more meaningful, to slow down a little bit, to take care of myself, and to reach out to a few old friends.”
Keep making a difference, and having fun
Si
December 31st, 2009 at 1:49 am
Your generosity seems to know no bounds. For that I look up to you. You have done great things and there is no doubt that you have made a huge difference in many lives, including those that have not been direct recipients of your charities. Keep up the good work!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:58 am
Life surely has it’s ups and downs but you seem to be there for others during their downs regardless of your own circumstances. Your selflessness is almost hard to comprehend which has made me do some self evaluation. I hope to make some positive changes for the year 2010 and your goodwill will be an influence. Do be sure to take care of yourself.
Edward
December 31st, 2009 at 2:17 am
Liz,
Your video is so moving. There is truth to the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Seeing the areas you visited and the faces of those that you helped really shows how much of an impact one person can make. Stay focused and good things will happen in the year to come.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year,
Vin
December 31st, 2009 at 2:39 am
I think we have all had an eventful decade full of changes and challenges. Yours, however, has brought light to many who would have had a decade with little change and too many challenges. I hope that we can all start this next one with the aspiration to make a difference in the world as you have done. I wish you the best with your plan for 2010. There is no doubt that you will succeed.
Good luck and Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:10 am
Resolutions and “turning over a new leaf” always seems to be everyone’s ambition at the start of a new year but it always seems to be too much for most to accomplish. I like your approach Liz. Make a plan to alter the things you would like to adjust and then focus on them. It is just more reasonable than trying to do a total makeover on your life. Although, I will say that everyone should resolve to follow your lead and do more selfless acts. You are a leader by example and I hope that many, including myself, will follow in your ways.
Happy New year
January 1st, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I watched your video and I and I am in awe of your generosity. You may want to consider that the hole you feel in your heart is not really a hole but in fact the discomfort from your heart being much too large to fit into your small frame. Just a thought. I hope you figure it all out. Continue to be strong and have a great year to come.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Big plans for New Years? From the looks of things your big plans were before the new year. That was quite a trip you took. Actually, your whole decade sounds like it has been quite the journey. It is incredible what you do for people in need and the example you set for mankind. I wish you the best for this new year.
Cheers!
January 1st, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Liz you live in a different world than most of us. You play big, win big, live big, and then you give bigger than anyone I have ever seen. It’s not just how much you give either, it is how much work and care you put into it as well. I don’t know how you do it. If more people would follow your lead this world would see an age of kindheartedness like it has never seen before. I know that you inspire many and I know that even more will be inspired in the future. So go big in 2010!
Happy New Year!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Fair play to you.
Its harsh times like these that the world needs more good souls to help out the less fortunate. Well done and it was a nice read. Ty
Regards,
Neill
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