It’s easy these days to get caught up with trying to do too much. You strive for that promotion, so you bring your workload home or work on the weekends. You justify a higher salary equals a happier family by providing more, yet the time spent with loved ones is reduce to a minimal of seeing each other only when you wake up and go to bed.
The problem is everyone believes they will live to be over 100 years old. No one likes to think that tomorrow may never come, and yet our last moments here on earth could be any minute. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for your family, but the “best” isn’t the material things they want, it’s your time. No one ever says on their last dying moments that they wished for more time at work. Of course not, it’s more time with family yet we continue to live as we do. Remember to keep the Ohana First

Its the beginning of the year and that can only mean one thing…a fresh new start! Regardless of what happened in 2009, it is all but a distant memory. We must realize each additional day is already a blessing.

Maukai would just like to take the time and wish everyone a Happy New Year! It was a busy year in 2009, but also the year Maukai had been created and shared with people all over the world. Who knows what could happen in 2010?!!! Much Mahalos everyone!

After months and months of classes, essays, and countless hours of studying, I’ve finally finished my degree. It wasn’t easy and even consider quitting on several occasions. Combined with work and family, this experience has drained me physically, emotionally, and financially. Yet, I’m so glad its all over and done with. Looking back at my decision, I can honestly say this was probably the most difficult out of all my options, but with the biggest reward. Just glad I had the support from loved ones to keep me going.

Although one may have setbacks, you just got to keep climbing….

Always thankful everyday

Regardless if you’re a morning person or not, a good sunrise can awaken the sleepiest of the “don’t want to get out of bed” types. Blinded by a lack of sleep and halfhearted attitude of going to work, we sometimes forget how significant something so simple can be.

Case in point, once at military basic training we were having a “rough” early morning. Nothing was going right or getting accomplished…well, according to our Drill Instructor (DI) that is. The morale and attitudes had reached rock bottom, making graduation day seem impossible. Our DI was so upset, he kicked us out of the building until he decided what to do with us.

While standing at attention, there was the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. Actually, I’ve probably seen a dozen like this, but never took the time to really appreciate it. Of course anything other than getting yelled at was better, but that very sight brought a quick sense of peace and rejuvenation not only to me, but to the rest of my fellow “maggots”(you’re a not actual person til after graduation).

Needless to say, it was back to reality when the DI came back and figured the solution was more yelling. However, from that point on we began performing better. Credit may be due to his “motivation speech”, but I believe that short time focusing solely on the beauty of the sunrise excluding all distractions, worry, and stress may have been the answer.

The funny thing is that everyday life is just like basic training. We get so consumed with worry and stress, that we forget how to enjoy or appreciate life. The next time you get up for work or school, take a second to enjoy something as simple as a sunrise.

We all go through tough times throughout the course of our lives. Whether it be physically or financially, it seems there is no way out, which can affect one’s drive or desire to do the simplest thing such as get out of bed or socialize with friends and family.

However, sometimes things have to get worse before it gets better. We may not realize it at the time, but everything happens for a reason. So hang in there my friends, and although it may seem your tunnel is longer than others, in the end, it will get better…it always does.

We all have goals we want to accomplish in our lifetime. So much to do in such little time they say. Just be careful not to overload yourself!

Everyone has experienced troubling circumstances one way or another, yet it’s how we respond to the challenges that determine if it will have a negative impact or not. The troubles you face only have the power to bring you down if you allow it. Make the most of a positive mindset and remember that you are in control. Step away from the past and begin a new journey.