The "Spirit of Aloha" means a 'sense of caring and kindness to those around me' and "Malama" means stewardship and when applying both of those in business we take care and give of ourselves with unselfishness in regards to human assets. This I wrote back in August 2007: Conducting Business in Hawaii: The "Spirit of Aloha" and "Malama" and again I am taken aback by the what "Aloha" means to me and what it can mean to you.
On the news last night they did a story on "Where's the Aloha?". It got me to thinking about how life has changed in Hawaii. Or has it? 40 years ago (I was 10 years old) our family moved to Oahu, Hawaii. 1967 and life was so simple. Ahhhh, no big freeways, no thousands of cars and the only tall buildings were in downtown Honolulu. Everyone hugged each other hello and when someone needed a helping hand a hand was extended to grasp onto.
Sometimes, we look at the cup as half empty and while contemplating the thought of "Where's the Aloha?" it immediately brought to my mind all the wars that transpired back in ancient Hawaii where thousands upon thousands were killed. And these wars and killings were against each other!
In any event, the newsman went around Waikiki Beach to ask locals and visitors "Where's the Aloha?". While doing this Aloha Poll and on a scale of one to ten the local people averaged 6.7 when asked how they rated "Where's the Aloha?" and the visitors gave us a 9.3! Go figure.
Maybe we're not so bad after all, huh? I mean, Hawaii is ranked among the top ten most giving states and we donate nearly a billion dollars a year to charity.
No matter what there are always going to be negative situations that arise in our lives and it is just part of human nature. Sometimes we glorify the negative instead of looking at the positive things. You know, it seems my radar for positivity doesn't always target those good things in life all the time either. It's human nature.
I am happy to report right along with the news last night that Aloha is all over the place in Hawaii. In Waikiki, they filmed the Japanese couple exchanging their wedding vows on the beach, the aloha given with volunteers helping stranded tourists or just in our school children singing songs while delivering gifts.
While bad things make headlines and good ones don't get recognized ..... We, the people, can make the Aloha happen no matter where we are. Now THAT IS a concept.
Alas, things don't always appear to be as they seem... in my minds eye. It is what I make of it and all in the manner of how I handle the situation. Today, I will travel the Road of Aloha.
Sally.... it still sounds like that Hawaii and the surrounding Islands are still very giving in so many ways. But getting back to your first paragraph or so, in my honest opinion, so many of us have gotten away from the basics. The basics of caring about and for others....lending a hand, and even that friendly hello while walking past someone down the street. It has become more of a 'me me' type of society. It comes down to what and how we teach our children.
In any case... refreshing post and this is just my opinion in where our society is in a whole.
Aloha...Sally!
Take pictures Sally so we can all be a part of your meeting!
Linda: WooHoo...finally get to meet a couple of people. I look at every one else's pictures... Randy got to got to NAR...I had to hold the fort.
Jeff: I know what you mean. ..... It's what we are teaching our children...yes.
Monika: WooHoo! (oh, said that already hehe) My camera is charged baby!
Mana: Because it's true! Only we can travel whatever road we choose. Thanks Mana....no matter what ...the children learn from us.
Lisa: It wasn't about being nicer....it was about how we perceive things....when the locals were interviewed they took a more negative look...we're the ones watching the news and listening to all the bad stuff....the visitors are here enjoying themselves and not really paying much attention to anything but the Aloha :)
Joeann: It sure will be! Stay tuned for pics from today and I look forward to meeting you in January!
Aaah, but we ARE the media, Sally! And we get to talk about the good stuff all we want. :o) When people read about Hawaii as seen through your eyes, I'm sure they think even more that it's paradise.
I know I do!
Of course there is always a positive side of almost everything. We just have to look for it. Sally, on the other hand see it everywhere.
Smiles.
Sally - First, thanks for explaining what the spirit of Aloha is - I had no idea.
Second - That is a drop dead gorgeous photo!!! WOW!!! I would have thought you were at least 10 years younger than you said you are!!! Way to go, girl!
Sally,
Your last statement says it all, you are most definitely the spirit of the Aloha! :)
Woo Hoo Sally...
I agree with Lenn. Sometimes we just have to step back and "find" what makes us happy.
If we can't find it then it's up to us to create.
So...In closing...Create for yourself a lovely day :)
TLW...ROAR!
Sally, Wonderful post. I try to travel the Aloha road too...sometimes I take a wrong turn, then quickly backtrack once I realize what's down there, and get back on the right one.
Jo
Sarah: I'd rather talk about the good stuff...and will continue ... because that is what is going to keep the inside of me filled with....Aloha.
Lenn: Thanks...I needed that. Hug back?
B & B: The profile one? I had that one up before the other one and decided to change back. This one is Photoshop makeup :)
Jennifer: Keep a positive outlook ...it'll be just fine...things always have a way of working themselves out...for the best.
Suzanne: Thanks....most of the time...human like everyone else but definitely finding my way.
TLW: I have to step back often....that's okay....live and learn. No matter what...it's always going to be up to me....I created a wonderful day....stay tuned.
Jo: And such is life isn't it! Pick ourselves up...dust ourselves off and have a wonderful day! Alohs!
Randy: Had fun this morning didn't we?...Stay tuned for more pics from North Shore HUGE waves!
Sally,
You're right about the negative things making the headlines...it's up to us to never give in to it. I think the Aloha spirit is alive and well with the wonderful people in HI.
Faina: That was cute....positive is what we make it...it comes from within :)
Lynda: And looking forward to meeting you in January!
Christina: Such is life in the news....:)
Hi Sally - what a wonderful world this would truly be if more people believed in and actually lived in the spirit of "Aloha". I try to live my life that way, and like Jo-Anne said, once in awhile I end up on the wrong path but I try to quickly remedy that.
I love the Hawaiian philosophies of life that you share here with us - you so exemplify all you write! I love reading your posts!!
Aloha to YOU!
Ann
Hi Ann! I FIND a way to remedy it :) You're cool Ann...and one day I'm going to meet the New Hampshire gals!
Joan: Hey...I just turned 50...and I'm already here so I guess I'm lucky!
Sally,
A HALO is an anagram of ALOHA...and a halo is defined as, "the aura of glory, veneration, or sentiment surrounding an idealized person or thing"...smart people those Hawaiians!!! Thanks, Fran
Aloha Sally.......hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day and ate lots of good food. As always, very nice post.
Sally,
Aloha is real..I always thought that Aloha just meant Hello and GoodBye. Now I as I read this Post there seems to be more. I myself haven't always been Positive, but i've learned how much better it feels when I think outside the box with a smile on my Face. Sally you make me smile, becasue of who you are, and I think thats great.
Aloha!!!
Tom Weiss
Mathew: Thank Matt....I know you get it too :)
Tom: More than you know...I smile right back at you buddy :)
Tom P: It has been a shock watching it! I am astounded at our traffic and hoping the rail system coming will alleviate some of it.
Neal: ......and listening to the Brady Bunch theme :)
It is true the media does accentuate the negative but it is up to us personally to make the decision "do I want to look at life and my situation in a positive way or a negative way"? I believe the decision and answer to that question makes a tremendous impact on our life. A positive attitude attracts others with a positive attitude and the same with negativity.
Sally, I'm sneaking on here for a minute to say the Aloha is alive and well here in Hawaii.......As you are so fond of saying it's all starts within......and yesterday you shared so much of yourself with us that we had a very special time.....and Randy and Linda.....everyone of you took time from your own lives.....that is the essence of giving, isn't it :) :)
I will write more later, but just wanted to say Thanks, and the Aloha is alive and well in your own persona.
*** Hey, I went through that tunnel yesterday :)
Cynthia: Why of course! We are human and experience different emotions....but as you said...it's up to us...I choose to spread some positivity around....woohoo!
Kathy: You sneak. :) It does...it starts within....and boy did I have a good time....it was like old friends meeting up or something...thanks Kathy. Friend :)
Sarah: Movie time!
Vickie: Oh, another gal who has somewhat same unvalues (is that a word for the ME thing? hehe) You are soooo on it. Support and teamwork is what we need...not all the other stuff. Thanks Vickie!
Sarah: You're funny...I meant I was getting off the pc to watch a movie :) We watched Shrek 3 and later on we watched Oceans 13.
Katerina: Oh...it'll be alive and well here...through all our islanders :)