What thrills you? What really sparks you? What wonderful thing would you rather do today than go to work?
My advice to you is to take one more sip of coffee, set it down, and head out the door and do your big thrill.
Go to your favorite beach on Alii or head to Kua Bay. Feel that cool wave whooshing you to shore, sliding onto the sand.
The ocean washes everything away, go for it!
Drive down to the harbor, jump on a snorkel boat. Go fishing and catch an ahi.
Head downtown and stroll along the seawall. Smile and love that Kona sun.
The job will be waiting when you get back, and the days are clicking by. You need a break. We all do.
Let me tell you a story about how I shucked it all and had the time of my life.
I was going to Hilo College, and every morning I walked through Hilo town to school. I was a dedicated student, but it’s hard to be desiccated surrounded by waterfalls and beaches. They were my usual classrooms.
One particular morning the sun was blaring up through silver clouds beckoning anyone with half a soul to fly away on an adventure.
As I walked the dull sidewalk a voice inside whispered, “Hey, you’ve never been to Kauai.” My heart jumped at the idea.
So as I passed my bank I went in and withdrew enough money for my wild trip to the Garden Isle.
I trudged to the airport and was flying to Kauai, leaving my classes behind. I’ve always believed Mark Twain who said, “Never let school interfere with your education.” I was learning how to relax, how to let go, how to be free.
I landed on this neverland and started hitchhiking. A car stopped and driving along I saw a sign, “horses for rent.” I jumped out, rented a horse, and was riding with the wind in my face and blue sky above.
Back in Hilo, my English class was starting and I was galloping on a horse across the mountains of Kauai, exhilarated, alive and loving it!
That’s what I mean. Break free! Let it go. Paddle out. Do anything.
It’s all getting too much, Roe v. Wade, war in Ukraine, Putin, or maybe the job is getting to you. Time to get away and let yourself breathe.
You live in Hawaii, so go out and live in Hawaii. You’ll feel on top of the world when you get back.
Now go start the car, and don’t forget the cooler.
Dennis Gregory writes a bi-monthly column for West Hawaii Today and welcomes your comments at makewavess@yahoo.com