Life's a potluck... what are you bringing?

I've been thinking about how spectacular my time has already been here in Hawai'i and it's really about how much I've been given so far - mentally, physically, spiritually.  The people I've met have been so warm and I only hope that I can give them something (anything!) in return.  That's really what life should be about - a potluck - the continuous giving and receiving of each others' best gifts.  The idea that these gifts (which come in the form of just about anything - generosity of time, knowledge, the talents that entertain or inspire, or even something as basic as common courtesy) make me more aware of the uniqueness of each person I've been encountering and self-observant of what it is that I bring to this "potluck."

Tonight in particular, after my yoga and dance class, one of the lovely older members of the studio offered to take me home after hearing that I was new and visiting for a month from the bay area.

Aileen, who at the age of 74 came to the studio to cure her body aches with "Feldenrkais" and is as spunky and spirited as ever, not only offered such kindness of a ride home, but went far out of her way to give me a friggin' tour of downtown Hawai'i; showing me where their financial district was, their Chinatown area and where to get the best dim sum, their city hall, and gave me a history on the Kings and Queens of Hawai'i in history.  As if that wasn't sweet enough, she took me to Foodland so I could get groceries.  WHAT IS MY LIFE?

Well, not really my life.  I guess that's just Hawai'i for you.  She tried convincing me to move here saying I seemed like a local (which she had earlier mistook me for) and that I would fit right in given my personality.  She even started giving me info on real estate and where I should look for housing... 😅 

You know, it could be easy to think that Aileen perhaps just had a ton of time on her hands; that she enjoyed my company because that's what she wanted... company.  And perhaps that's true.  But I do prefer to believe that she went out of her way simply because she wanted to treat a newcomer with kindness and make an impact on another's experience in a positive way.  I don't know, but I think if more people had that mentality, each day would be the best damn potluck that needn't wait for special occasion.  

I guess I'm just feeling grateful (of course) for the recent gifts I've felt I've been given this past week. Warmest mahalos, Hawai'i.