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14 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2023 By Annette Hillis, Resident One might think that a Senior Master, 7th degree Black Belt in the martial arts – Taekwondo, would naturally be a contentious type of person. This has proved not to be the case with Del Webb resident and Board Member Pat Sivalingam. The Sri Lanka native wants his life's legacy not to reflect violence or fighting but rather something quite the opposite. "I would like to be remembered for helping others and for living a simple but meaningful life," he says. Sivalingam adds that he does not need a million dollars. All that he needs is enough to pay his bills and live a decent life. "Too much of anything is not good," he suggests. "Less is more." But this gentle soul's philosophies belie his accomplishments. When there are nine levels of Black Belts and you have reached the seventh level, one can assume you have put hundreds of hours into your craft. And rightly so. Sivalingam admits this was the case. He is one of the highest- ranking individuals out of East Asians in the American Taekwondo Association (300,000 members strong world-wide.) He won the World Championship title in 2014 at the age of sixty-four. At present, this champion is in the top ten qualifiers to compete in eight world championship events for the world title to be held in July 2024. This martial arts master relates a story of sportsmanship, how important it is, and how it has affected his life's journey. "In order to qualify to compete in a World Championship of Taekwondo, a person must compete in several events and earn enough points to be ranked within the top ten spots in the world. When I was ranked number one, I decided to compete. After having traveled to the competition, I realized I forgot to pack my uniform and black belt. Both were required to even step foot into the competition ring." As it turns out, the person ranked number two in the point count found out about the problem, went straight home, washed his own spare uniform, brought it back, and gave it to Sivalingam. His competitor said that it would not be fair for him to win the competition just because his rival had forgotten his uniform. "I was allowed to compete because of his kindness. I remember to this day what an amazing show of sportsmanship that was. I will always remember how thankful I was for it." Sivalingam's own children are wildly successful as well and have grown to be good people. All have prestigious jobs. His wife is his biggest fan and support system. However, it is his training in martial arts that has most assuredly affected the positive changes in the way he reacts and views life. His credo for living easily matches up with what he called the Black Belt attitude: Have self- control, self-respect, and respect for others. In many people's eyes, Pat Sivalingam is no doubt Taekwondo's poster boy in every sense of the word. A Winning Philosophy By Mary McKernan, Resident One of the keys to having a good experience with your neighbors is to be a good neighbor yourself. Here are some aspects of being a good neighbor: 1. Communicate – Get to know neighbors on each side of you and across the street. Let them know if you see something out of the ordinary. Inform them when you are leaving your home for an extended amount of time. Speak up if you have a problem. Find out the best way to communicate whether that's a landline phone, a cell phone or by email. Discover when the best time of day is to communicate between each other. 2. Be Social – Say "hi" when passing by. Organize a picnic or potluck. Share a recipe or a yard maintenance tip. 3. Be on the Lookout – If you see something out of the ordinary (leaky pipe, broken sprinkler head, unusual car) notify your neighbors. Show you care about their space as well as your own. 4. Be Respectful – Be mindful and respectful of shared walls, shared outdoor space and your neighbors' time and space. 5. Do Favors – When possible, do a favor for your neighbor. When putting out a little energy to do something nice it will show that you're a generous and considerate person. 6. Train your Pets – Introduce your pet(s). Make sure you clean up after your pet in your own yard and throughout your neighborhood. Dispose of the waste properly. Are You a Good Neighbor?

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