oahu

We were supposed to be on an airplane back to the mainland yesterday morning. But life with Riley takes spontaneous turns often and here we are with an extended week on the island ahead of us. 
This trip has been incredible. As I think back on all of the things we’ve done the last twenty days I can’t help but smile and feel complete peace wash over me. This is my first time on Oahu to visit Riley’s family. I’ve been on the island once before when volleyball brought me here in college…this time it’s family that brings me to this magical place. 

I hadn’t seen Riley’s family in over a year, Riley hadn’t seen them in over eight months - one of the things covid has created for all of us = an obstacle in where we go and whom we spend our time with.

To say I feel gratitude to be here feels understated. I know we’re fortunate and blessed and possibly lucky to be able to make this trip happen with all that’s been going on in the world. 

My last few weeks of 2020 consisted of a whole bunch of “firsts” for me:

I swam some waves at Makapu’u

I golfed the most beautiful par three course set back at the base of great hills with a view of the ocean

I hiked Koko Head and had to take more breaks than I’m happy to admit to

I swam some waves at Sandy’s beach

I went to Hanauma Bay and snorkeled

I went on a sailboat and saw a humpback whale jump completely out of the water

I was introduced to pickle ball by Diana, Riley’s mom, and kind of sort of love the game now

I saw my first monk seal and her baby just feet away

I jumped off at Portlock and got in a little tiff with Riley trying to get out, ha

I canoed for the first time. We went out to Mokulua islands, a place where waves come from both sides and crash together - and I canoe surfed on both sets of waves! Holy s*** was that fun.

I ate my first lau lau

I visited Bellows beach

I hung out at Lanikai beach

I hiked to Lulumahu falls

I kayaked out to a sand bar and stood in the middle of the ocean

And 

I felt the baby move for the first time!!! :)

I feel like there might be more “firsts” that I’ve missed but even so…this list is beautiful and filled with So Much Joy

Over these last few weeks I have literally been feeling the stress melt off of my body. I feel refreshed, I feel renewed and I feel incredibly grounded. Grounded in a way that I don’t want to live without any longer. Grounded in a sort of connected and easing energy.

All of these new activities have brought to me feelings of childlike joy. I’ve maximized this opportunity of seeing a new place in a way I haven’t been very accustomed to in the last ten years, something most professional volleyball players would understand. We get to travel a ton - but the schedules we’re on leave us very little time to fully experience and see the culture and environment of the place.

This trip though has been maximized - I’ve seen this island in a way I never imaged I’d be able to and it has completely floored me.

When the new year arrived and I went through my process of reflection, I really realized what kind of year we’ve all just lived. It felt heavy for a moment and then I released it. I let it go. Maybe this Hawaiian energy has helped me move through it all with greater ease. Maybe all along this year was building up knowing very well that I would be able to process it all in a healthy and renewing way here on the island. 

Maybe this was always exactly where I was meant to be right now. 

Thankfully I am where I am right now. Physically healthy. Emotionally strong. Mentally at ease. Spiritually uplifted.

Still searching for more but at the same time grounded in exactly what’s present in front of me. 

There’s not a whole lot more I have to say here… I just feel such gratitude for this family I’ve joined…for the love I feel for them and from them…and for this life I have in me. 

My trip still isn’t over.

It’s taking me to the North Shore today.

Another first. Another place I have yet to experience.

I’m excited and thankful and the energy I have within me is enough to share…

For awhile I think I was unknowingly running on empty or maybe near the e…but lately I feel like my tank is filling and my energy source is back. And goodness does it feel good. 

I love this island.

I love this family

And I’m deeply grateful…body mind and soul