The Passing Of Time

It's a time to celebrate the passing of another year. Let us appreciate what this year has taught us and know that the coming year will bring us new experiences and exciting opportunities. For some of us,this year brought life changing events and unhappy moments, but we have become who we are today because of this. For others, there were times that filled our hearts with so much joy and happiness. Every year is an opportunity to make the most out of our life. Today, celebrate the year's passing the best way you know how. What a wonderful time for you to be who you were meant to be. Remember that you are special and unique and deserve everything that your heart's desire.

What a beautiful way to end the year...

(My family and I are spending New Year's Eve at the Waikiki Sheraton. We are breaking out of a life long tradition of staying home and eating mochi, but sometimes we need to go with the flow. Acknowledging my mixed feelings of missing old tradition, the universe gave me a wonderful sunset to make me realize that being with family is the most important tradition of all.

S, B, and Q - I miss you all so much at this moment. I hope you are enjoying a Happy New Year's Eve.)

With A Little Help

Sometimes when we least expect it, we are given the help we need to move us along our way. Although for the most part we are able to go through life quite easily, there are times when it becomes a little more difficult to maneuver. For whatever the reasons may be, we find ourselves caught up in our emotions. It's at that moment when time seems to have somehow slowed down, that we meet someone who lifts our spirits up. When our spirit is able to see beyond our grief, it is then time for us to change the direction of the path we so easily defaulted to. With the help of our loved ones and those we meet unexpectedly, we can again move forward with a clearer mind and the best of intentions. Today, be open to what the future holds for you. It may be unclear to you at this time, but know that the universe continues to flow through you giving you the inner strength that you need to heal. Remember that there is a time for everything and now is the time to care for yourself.

It takes so little to make us smile...

(F,K,&L - Thank you so much for giving me

 the opportunity to share Angel's memories with you.

 It always surprises me that as unique as we all are,

 how similar our paths may be. Life is about helping each other

get though the difficult times and being there

to celebrate as our hearts begin to heal.

 I wish your family a gentle and loving New Year!)     

Life Reflections

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to stop and take a look at the life we’ve created. What better time than now to do some self reflection and pose questions that make us think about who we have become. Is our life what we envisioned for ourselves? Life moves so quickly that sometimes we are so busy trying to survive that we often times settle for what we get instead of pursuing what we want. Has our actions this past year, demonstrated the type of person we’d like to be remembered as? Instead of being conscious of how we treat people, we may make up excuses for being rude and demanding to those we love. Are the people whose opinions we listen to, respectful and caring of us or do they have their best interests in mind? Sometimes we try so hard to make others happy that we compromise our own beliefs and happiness. Know that in the coming year, we can create the life we’ve dreamed about by committing to be more kind and thoughtful to ourselves. Today, take a moment to reflect upon the past year. What changes do you need to make in order to live a life that truly reflects who you are? Create your own unique path instead of living in fear and following a life that others feel more comfortable in seeing you live. Be the trendsetter that you are meant to be, instead of continuing to follow the demands of others.

Our life is as unpredictable as the ocean...

Capturing Our Favorite Memories

When life doesn't go exactly the way we want it to, we can make ourselves feel a little better if we are able to recall a favorite memory. Depending how good we are at remembering things, our senses can sweep us away to a time when we indulged ourselves without a care. Our imagination can only enhance our memories so they become part of our reality. Know that our favorite memories are only a thought away. They are valuable in balancing our stressful life. Today, capture one of your favorite memories. Remember when you were carefree and had no thoughts of what tomorrow will bring. Allow your spirit to fly.

Sitting on the beach has now become

one of my favorite memories...

(S & B - I know you can't believe this,

 but I went to the beach today and stayed there for about 2 hours.

The first hour was taking pictures of the tide pools.

The second was eating snacks and watching a wedding happening next to us.

 It was a little overcast, so no one got burned.

We missed you both.)

Finding Peace Within Yourself

Sometimes when our life is in turmoil, we may turn to whatever and whomever we feel will help us find peace. Because our world has turned upside down, we have difficulty believing that we have the answers within us. It is easier to place responsibility onto others when we are so overwhelmed. But no matter who or what we turn to for help, there is no easy fix. If the answers we receive don't resonant with us, we continue searching and listening to others as they try to convince us that they have what we need. Know that we are all unique and everyone's path to finding peace is different. Today, think of all that is troubling you. Pretend that you are speaking to a loved one, how would you help them to resolve these problems. Listen carefully to your responses. You have the answers, but you need to overcome the fears that prevent you from resolving them. Peace is within your reach, if you let your inner spirit lead the way.

  How peaceful is our expression...

(I found this peaceful Buddha at the Lavender Farm in Kula.

It was sitting on the side of the path amongst the lavender bushes.

I guess I would be at peace too if I was amongst the fragrant flowers.

 I will remember this moment whenever I become stressed.)

Rebalancing Our Lives

Now that things have settled down a little, we have an opportunity to rebalance our life. We seem to have slowed down considerably from the last few days of rushing around. Now that the festivities have quieted down, we can use this time to begin preparing for the upcoming year. Reflecting not only on our unmet goals, but dreams that now may seem a little vague. It is time to create the life that we've envisioned during the coming new year. Today, see how quiet you can be. Listen to others, rather than speak about yourself. Be open to what comes to you, rather than scheduling every minute of your day. Be compassionate to those who you have difficulty understanding. Within the quiet, the universe will open up and bring you new perspective.

With beautiful sunrises like these, it's easy to greet each day with optimism...

(Pike's Market in Seattle is one of my favorite places to spend the day. If we don't make an effort to do the things that are important to us, life will pass us by without us noticing.)

   

Merry ChristmasTo All

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. This is a time to celebrate with family and friends or spend a quiet day pampering yourself. This holiday season is about acknowledging and respecting our traditions but also knowing that there may be times when we need to create new ones, especially when we have new members joining our family. It's about intergrating new cultures with our own and celebrating the differences. That's what so wonderful about life, it's always changing. For some of us change is difficult, but know that with it comes wonderful opportunities and unexpected experiences. This Christmas, open your heart to whatever should appear before you. This is a time for miracles.

Who would think a crab would be the perfect ornament...

(When visiting the Whale Foundation in Lahaina,

 I saw this tree decorated with all kinds of sea creatures.

 It was different, but I loved it.

I didn't see one round ornament on the whole tree.)