Live Aloha!
Reflecting on the last three years in Hawaii I have learned many things. Life’s lessons come to you in many ways, not just through people, but natural resources like the rain, ocean, mountains, rivers and land, plants and flowers, animals, mistakes we make on a daily basis, and of course, directly through communication with God via prayer. Let me start by saying I have been very blessed to be able to fulfill a dream to live and work in Hawaii. When I came here the first time for vacation in 1982, I fell head over heels in love with the ‘aina, or land. There was an immediate spiritual connection for me that helped transform who I was becoming as a young woman. It helped instill my belief in God by witnessing his master handiwork all around me in the beauty I observed. It was not only the ocean and land, but the marine life as well as the people. No where I’ve ever been have I experienced a nicer culture of people than the Hawaiians. They have taught me what aloha really means. It’s not just a word to greet each other, it is a way of life. It is about giving and receiving love, about caring for others as well as the land and its inhabitants. Aloha is loving and respecting God, each other as well as what He has provided for us. It is about taking only what you need, not more, and maintaining an attitude of gratitude for all that contributes to your well being. But mostly it is about giving back, learning to share and think about others, even before yourself. By doing this you ensure your own well being without even knowing it.
I know something about the human condition and that is that we all need to love and be loved, it is a profound truth. People everywhere, around the world want and need to be seen, to know that they matter to someone, somewhere. By living aloha you can make a difference for good and you can help heal the world so to speak by a simple act of kindness. By helping others win at life, we all win. It has been said that we rise by lifting others and today I challenge you to Live Aloha! You can start by performing random acts of kindness to strangers, by being grateful at what you have instead of resentful at what you don’t have. I promise it will change you. I leave you with a quote by Albert Einstein…
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile
Today make yours a life worthwhile. Aloha and blessings to you and your family.
Love,
Fran
