Living Aloha: What it means to me...

Recently, a friend of mine asked what I meant when I titled this blog Living Aloha. She was confused by the message behind it, as she'd only associated the word "aloha" with stepping off an airplane, setting foot on Hawaiian soil and being welcomed to the islands.

What did I mean? Well I will tell you, thanks so much for asking!

"Aloha" has many meanings; it is used in greetings and bidding farewell...and it is also an expression of love. But for me, it runs so much deeper than that. Aloha is a way of life; a way of life that embodies peace and harmony and joy. It's a form of living in tune with nature and the environment, the people and my surroundings, and making a conscious effort to tread lightly (but with purpose) on the soil beneath my feet. For me, it is a daily reminder to live with gratitude.

Living Aloha means...

...not minding the rain, because without the rain, there are no rainbows.

...recognizing that the cerulean waves, the shell-sprinkled golden sand, the palm fronds that dance in the breeze and the infinitely unique sunrises and sunsets---these are all gifts from God.

...doing our part to live a little "greener"; to consume less, reduce waste, eat locally (and organically, when possible) and committing to reduce, reuse and recycle. It sounds cliche and maybe even a little bit cheesy, but we do.

...respecting the Earth.

...finding the joy in the mundane, and appreciating the spontaneity in life.

...loving the moments where The Hubs and I can relish in our quiet, little life out here, appreciating the abundance of blessings in our lives.

...enjoying the love of family, good friends, and each other.

...loving my "neighbors". Even the one who blatantly cut right-in-front-of-me at the store this morning, pretending not to hear me when I said "excuse me", ignoring the cashier when she said "she was next", and then practically throwing bills and loose change on the counter in front of him. To buy beer.

...feeling lucky that I can take a dip in the ocean every single day, and loving myself LEARNING to love myself in a bikini. Even the parts that jiggle.

...creating happiness. And Choosing Joy.

And finally, it means finding on our property, a rock in the perfect shape of a conversation-bubble, painting it white and red, and reminding myself to live the life I love and love the life I live.