Aloha Hawai'i

Officially, it's my last day in Hawai'i and I can't even begin to describe the sadness that overwhelms me.  I truly did not expect one month to fly by so quickly, but it certainly has.

I came here with the purpose of getting healthy mentally and physically.  I leave now realizing I've gained so much more than just that.  Today, I hiked Diamond Head one last time since my flight was in the evening and as I was overlooking the ocean at the top of the peak, I took in the views and felt so thankful for this past month here.  This island and the communities here welcomed me with so much Aloha and for a very persuasive moment, I felt like I belonged here indefinitely.

10 hikes • 25 logged yoga and dance classes • 15+ bike rides • Countless miles ran and walked • Countless songs strummed, sung and danced to • Daily meditations • 1 art gallery, 2 plays, 4 live shows, 3 dance performances watched • 20+ restaurants and eateries • 8 watercolor paintings completed • 20 blog posts written • Weekly visits to Foodland (haha) • Nearly 30 days of eating Poké (gotta lay off fish for awhile now) • 5 beaches • 2 major sunburns • 5 shades tanner • 12 strangers now friends • and reunited with 4 old friends from different parts of my life...

Though these are ways I can quantify my past month here in Hawai’i, more importantly what I leave with is a full heart of that same Aloha (that I know I've always carried in my soul, but was brought out to the maximum being here and all sabbatical) for all the adventures, surprises, self growth, warmth and joy I’ve experienced daily.

I think I'll have to save for a later date / later blog on how I've truly transformed being here, but for now, I'll wallow a bit and try to get over my withdrawals so I can enjoy the weekend to come.