Need More 'Aloha' in Your Life?

Aloha! Yes, if you didn’t know, I am in my Happy Place right now, Kihei Maui! The lanai is open, and I am enjoying listening to the birds sing while a cool breeze floats through. The reason I am here, is lying next to me, as he is a bit tired after our 2-hour beach walk this morning. His name is Rocky, and he is definitely a love bug with a side of goofy to him!

I have only been here four days, but I have noticed something interesting that has got me thinking. It could simply be the Aloha lifestyle and/or the fact I am walking around with a cute doggie! Almost everyone is coming up to me to chat!! It got me thinking why am I so much more approachable here? I generally do walk looking at others and acknowledging them as I walk by smiling or saying a friendly Hello (Aloha here). At home it’s a 50-50 shot someone will look at me or say anything but here I feel like it’s more like 90-10. I am thinking it’s a combo of the Aloha spirit and the cute doggie!! ❤️

The doggie is definitely an easy conversation starter, right? You actually SEE if it’s cute or doing something funny or well behaved. If you are an animal lover like me, you are always looking at them!! Sometimes I think I know the dogs’ names more than the owners in my neighborhood!! And if you are walking your dog and then you see someone walking theirs it’s like the dogs bring you together. All dogs aren’t sociable and so there is a level of respect that everyone needs to be considerate of.

The Spirit of Aloha

The second part I believe is the Aloha spirit or vibe of the island. When I looked this up this is the first thing I found, "The number one tenet of embracing the aloha spirit is to be thankful for the beauty of the world around you. Be open to enjoy life's adventures, the people you get to meet, and the experiences shared with others. They're all part of what makes life rich and fulfilling. Pay homage to nature.” So that energy is flowing abundantly and that is the vibration of the island(s). That is the pull why so many wish to come here to bask in the beauty of the mountains to the ocean from sunrise to sunset. AND of course we cannot forget the laid back and hang loose 🤙🏻 vibe, that nothing needs to be rushed or is that important. So maybe it’s those who are here or maybe it’s ME…and the cute doggie!! It’s definitely something I sense the minute I get off the plane, the smell of the plumeria and the singing/cooing of the birds soothes me then the drive from the airport where you can see and hear the ocean…just awww.

So how can you (I) create more Aloha at home?

1. Someone recently told me they bought a stock plant at the ABC Stores upon leaving and now 8 weeks later with much care it’s growing, so off to the ABC Store I go!!

2. I love the scents of plumeria and pikake and often buy soaps, lotions, or anything to bring me back to my Happy Place!

3. We do buy pineapple regularly and although it’s not the same, it still tastes good and reminds me when I eat it.

4. Getting into nature, I spend so much time outside and walking here and looking at all the little things like lizards, geckos, snails, flowers because they are different from home. When I do go home, I try to really appreciate the difference in the land and animals. The saying Aloha ‘aina meaning love for the sacred land and taking it to heart no matter where I am giving appreciation!

5. Being mindful and living in the moment to appreciate all that life has to offer is felt here and taking a piece of that home can mean so much for well-being.

6. Part of the Aloha means treating everyone as Ohana (family) and being kind and seeing the good in everything/everyone and remember LOVE is at the core, LOVE ALWAYS! ❤️❤️

Now I am off to go play in my Happy Place!! Mahalo, Wendi 😍