2 years in paradise
It was two years ago... I can't believe it. Two years ago I got on a plane to cross an entire continent and ocean to start a new life in a brand new place: Hawaii. It was one of the scariest things I've ever done in my life. But it was one of the most poignant and life-changing decisions I've ever made. I am so incredibly lucky to be where I am today - to live in such a beautiful environment, to be surrounded by everything that I love, and to have a good job that has meaning to me. I never imagined that Hawaii (or more specifically, Honolulu) would feel like home. I always thought that the pangs I felt in my heart for my life back in Florida would never go away. And they haven't gone away completely; but over time, they've faded considerably.
Ever since the new year, after starting a new life on my own for the first time, my world has completely transformed. I am completely independent and self-reliant. I have a wonderful group of friends. I have discovered a new passion and love for surfing. I've had the most unique opportunity in re-discovering and really finding myself once again after feeling lost for a very long time. I am more sure of myself and confident in my future than I have ever been in my entire life. And most importantly: I'm the happiest I've ever been. I've been gifted with the love of one of the most beautiful souls I've ever known. And I try so hard not to ever take any of this for granted - to not ever forget just how lucky I am.
But I've never really been one to play it safe. I take risks; especially with my heart. When I see an opportunity, I rarely pass it up. I live my life by following my gut feelings and my instincts - usually a combination of my heart battling with my mind. And sometimes, it doesn't always work out. But somehow, it always does. You see - anytime something doesn't work out for me, I try to see it in light of the bigger picture: where does this lead me next? Where did this particular mistake take me? What did I learn from it, and what purpose will this lesson serve me in the future? Looking back on my life, everything fits together like perfectly chiseled puzzle pieces - a series of events all coalescing together into the perfect symphony that makes up my past, present, and future. It all makes sense when I look at my life in hindsight. And it has all led me here.
So when people are perplexed by how I make decisions, or why I take certain risks, or why I dive into something head first, and worry whether I'll get hurt or burned or disappointed: THAT'S LIFE. I'd rather play it interesting - take a leap of faith and fall into the arms of a destiny I helped create for myself, knowing I won't have any regrets... rather than take a step back and play it safe for the sole reason that it's what other people think I "should do" or what's "best". Because no one knows how to live my life - NO ONE - but me. And I am always going to live it LOUDLY and BOLDY and passionately and colorfully. Two years ago I took the biggest risk of my life. And to tell you the truth - given that and all the other decisions I've made in my entire life...
I don't think I'm doing half bad. In fact, I'm FANTASTIC.
So here's to another year in paradise, my friends. Cheers and aloha!!!
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