Enjoy life, stress less

What a year 2013 was.

I began my sophomore year of college, became an editor of a college newspaper, learned how to wakeboard, got to be a bridesmaid in the most beautiful wedding of one of my dearest friends, went to Hawaii for the first time, and the list goes on…

It was a year of many firsts. And each new thing I did really helped me grow as a person. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s actually true.

But, really, the thing that stands out the most in this crazy year of mine would be my trip to Hawaii. I finally went to visit my oldest sister after she had lived on the Big Island for almost two years; my middle sister and I even coordinated so we would be visiting
at the same time— all three siblings, on the same land mass, at the same time!

Hawaii is all it is hyped up to be: complete paradise. I understand why my sister moved there, and why she stayed. I can’t wait to visit again. And not just for the hot weather, shaved ice or warm, sandy beaches. It’s because of the way of life.

Today’s youth, who are constantly on the go, would be blown away by the apparent concept of time on the island: Don’t rush. Hurry? What hurry?

There is something wonderful to be said about those who live their lives permanently in a place where some very lucky individuals find themselves on vacation.

I feel as though these people are more aware of the beauty surrounding them. How often do most of us stop and notice the beauty of where we live? …those everyday occurrences that may be extraordinary, but that we are often too caught up in our own hectic lives to stop and notice.

So, my revelation of the year and the moment that I fully realized while watching a “this-can’t-possibly-be-real-life” sunset in Hawaii, is that I am going to try to live my life more like I am on vacation all the time. As if I live in Hawaii – more care-free, less stressful and gloomy. Because really, what’s stopping me?

I’m not trying to say that just because you live somewhere as beautiful as Hawaii means you don’t have any problems, because that’s not true. Just like every other part of the world, things are far from perfect. There is plenty of poverty and homelessness there, which I got to see firsthand in poorer parts of the island and remote beaches with permanent campers.

What I am saying is, while I was there, I felt like everyday people—who, even with the daily grind of work— were so much happier. Their happiness is what makes me want to go back. There is something all of us can learn from island life.

I guess for now, the best I can do while I endure these long months of cold, wet, winter in Oregon is keep my memories of warm, sandy beaches close at hand, and a smile on my face.