June brings many fun-filled activities, like pool parties, family BBQs, summer holidays and more. June is also the celebration of Pride Month. I write this to you with the intent not to push any political views or opinions down your throat, but to ignite your thinking. If you are a believer in true love, inner strength, liberation, and equality for all, then I hope my words shine the brightest light on your day.
I believe reflection is one of our greatest tools. It can get us through the rough patches of life and make us see the gratitude and growth that live within ourselves. Whenever I am faced with a challenging moment, I find a place of silence in my house, meditate on my thoughts, and think about the bigger picture at hand. What can I learn from? What has worked in the past? How have I grown? What can I do to be better? Reflection and gratitude are the names of my game.
Recently, as the early days of June rolled around, I sat in a state of reflection that led to a mix of emotions — compassion, thankfulness, happiness, and some genuine tears. What prompted these was remembering that the three-year anniversary of the marriage equality ruling is just a few weeks away.
For me, it meant looking back and honoring the history of the fight for equality and the brave LGBT leaders of our past and present. The ones who started a movement so that young people like myself could live in a country where I can love who I want, be who I am, and celebrate the simple fact that love is love.
This point of my reflection was even more significant this week when my good friends in San Francisco finally locked down a wedding date. We reflected and made it a point to digest not just their own history as a couple, but to acknowledge our country’s long road to marriage equality and the true freedom fighters that got us there. To all the people who marched, used their voices, set an example, and continued to speak up in the name of love – we salute you. To the politicians who pioneered the revolution of love for equality across our country – we are so deeply grateful.
This beautiful moment reminded me of how helpful reflection can be, whether you are celebrating something wonderful or dealing with a life challenge. Taking time to breathe and reflect back on where you are now, where you have been, and who helped you along the way will always guide you to gratitude.
Our greatest and most historic world leaders all have a unique story of self-growth, struggle, and heartache. The most substantial and most meaningful moments in life never come easy. There have, and always will be, deep learning and takeaways from life’s most monumental times in history.
Please don’t forget that.
I encourage you to use your mind as a tool and reflect on your own history. You should do this when life has presented you with the most joyous of moments, but also when you are in need of direction and guidance. The powerful magnetic energy between reflection and gratitude is your key to opening up your thoughts and bringing out the root of your happiness.
Whether you will be celebrating Pride Month or not, my wish for you is to take pride in your own self, take time to reflect on your own journey and find compassion and respect for the people around you.
Our own individual stories may be unique, and our pages may tell a different tale, but the one word that should keep us all united is love. There is no greater emotion than the love you have for yourself and the love you share with someone else.
Vincent Regner Struan is a resident of Kailua-Kona.