Simply Enough

From the devastating tragedy of the fires in Maui comes clarity of what really is most important and most valuable in life. Also, in its aftermath, there were many demonstrations of how people can come together and demonstrate what kindness and generosity look like, rallying to do whatever it takes and whatever is needed to care for others. The immediacy of resiliency, figuring out what can we do and what do we have that we can give allows us to extend the Aloha Spirit wherever we are.

Amidst the tragedy of loss from the Maui fires, the resilience, generosity, and sense of community have been inspiring, and puts into perspective what really matters in life. Have you ever felt like you were constantly chasing "more"? Yet, we are more than our possessions, acquisitions, accumulations, and titles, and Enough is actually a choice we control. Looking at what we have and being grateful,  rather than what we're missing frees us for living and experiencing, instead of numbing and buffering.   Living fulfilled rather than filling a void; addition by subtraction, rather than distraction. 

Have you ever driven yourself mad from wishing things were different? Not accepting things in the moment as they are, or yourself as you are, is the root of stress. We are all works in progress and living in real-time. Life doesn't have to be curated or edited. Just do things anyway. It's ok to have a "round two" or another trial. Accepting things isn't about being complacent. It's coming to a place of peace to find contentment, to then move from the current situation. And more important than a moment is your identity of who you are. It's not about shape-shifting. It's about showing up and valuing yourself just as you are... and then what? :)

Have you ever dreaded your To Do list? There are actually tools to take control and trick your mind to get through the list to get the job done. Dare we say, you can actually even laugh and make light of your list, rather than rely on pure willpower. You can be inspired rather than motivated, and pulled rather than pushed to see things through to fruition.

Have you ever regretted holding yourself back, or kicked yourself with the thought  “if only I had …” ? Delete the narrative you tell yourself that keeps you from being bold!  A missed opportunity is a bigger deal than the fear of a little temporary awkwardness, embarrassment or rejection. Practice recognizing the opportunity of Now, and embolden yourself, to ask and go after what you want. Weigh the risks of not doing and not trying, and the regret of things you didn’t do over what you did do.  Go for it!

Have you ever felt blah and needed a pick-me-up? Need a cure for feeling meh? Being mindful and present with the sensations you're feeling can give moments of reset. Recognize the weights we carry that are heavy and buffer or pull us down rather than uplift us. Then have a refreshed start. Show up for yourself and start small, to overcome inertia, and fuel momentum to be uplifted. Eschew simulations because "there ain't nothin like the real thing, baby", and instead of shutting people out, let them in and ask for help and be with others. And even if you're not ready for mirth and laughter, move forward to a place of peace. 

Have you ever been at the crossroads of how you want to show love versus how the object of your affection wants to receive it? Working through the impasse of what love looks like on all sides can be  messy.  Remember to process and honor not just how that person feels, but also how your own actions are making you feel, and how you show up as a reflection of what you truly ultimately want in the end.  Being “all-in” in a loving relationship can look different and the rules of engagement can evolve. Recognize when there’s nothing more you can do, because you’ve done all that you can, and that’s ok.  Allow yourself to decide who and how you want to be in a relationship. The discerning and choosing to continue to love IS the loving action, in and of itself. 

Do you think romance is the best, or only, kind of love? Life isn’t always about “coupling” and it’s not always about romantic love. True Love can take on many forms. It can exist in the love amongst friends and love within a family  Recognize the platonic love that is in your life and lean into it. We can have gratitude for the love from and the love of your friends. Honor those who show up from a place of love, and take the opportunity to tell them you love them. 

And when taking the risk of saying "I Love You", yes there might be losses—but the wins are so worth it. In wanting love, give love.  And then receive well too. 

Have you ever believed your age defines you? You can choose if a number imprisons you or liberates you! There are different seasons of life, so don't envy youth, or apologize for lessons learned and wisdom earned. Order the chicken fingers and tater tots! Taste, save and enJOY the hot fudge sundae! You don't have to always strive to be "adulting", and you can definitely take your youth with you! Every day you wake up and have breath is a birthday, especially when you consider the alternative.  

Have you ever felt in need of a pick-me-up? Y’know, “adulting” and play are not mutually exclusive.  You have the choice of which lens you see the world! There are no rules; make up a holiday and spark a celebration.  Let loose, woot-woot, chee hoo, laugh like Chewbacca, and the lasting memories make the celebration a gift that keeps on giving.  Celebrate along the way and then life itself becomes a celebration!