I wake before the sun filled with joy to the sound of chickens and the rustle of the palms in the trade winds. I muse what this glorious day will bring.
Endless possibilities await those who are open to new experiences. Is it courage or a choice to leap into the unknown. How many times has fear stood in the way of moving forward with your life and left you stuck in the same patterns spinning.
Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective, that can be as small as trying a new food or, in my case, travelling solo to Kauai to become immersed in the rhythm of Island life.
Yes there is fear, loneliness, doubt and guilt that creeps in and at times, which threatens to swallow me whole. What to do…..change the lens to which you view the unknown, push through, change the internal narrative, move your body, and shake it off.
The smallest of actions can cause a ripple effect. The simple act of smiling and striking up a conversation with a stranger can have a huge impact, both to you and to them. Everyone has a story and I am fascinated by another’s and how it is they came to this point in their lives.
We are all searching for something and the joy I have witnessed when you ask a great question humbles me. We are all connected. In those interaction, no matter how brief, leave knowing the gift the other has given you when they reveal a piece of themselves.
I have come to the realization that I am the good thing that needs to happen to other people at times and what a gift that is.
The more I am engaged in conversation with someone the more they open and become vulnerable, sharing their hopes and dreams. I am truly honored and humbled by these experiences. I am a lifetime of experience and loss away from the selfish, entitled girl of my 20s.
I now search to connect at each interaction showing up as my authentic self and drawing out the story in others to grow, expand and learn.
We all have a shared connectivity wherein we can learn from and teach to each other through being open, showing vulnerability, and sharing laughter.
Time and time again I have been present to a simple act of kindness opening someone up to more conversation and sharing.
I am now embracing my gift of listening and being present in hope it brings what is needed to others. This gift has always been present however I chose to bury it and pursue my selfish wants and needs. Time, age, circumstances, trauma changed my perspective and opened my heart to serving others by listening.
Always leave an interaction with the other person feeling good about themselves.
To those I have connected with in the past, thank you and to those I will connect with now and in the future, I am ready.
Mahalo and Aloha….
Redefining Grief 