When I think of Hawaii it brings so many wonderful memories to mind. The beautiful sunsets, rolling waves at the beach, balmy breezes – not to mention the pristine weather on most given days.
My love for Hawaii goes back to the tender age of 15, when my dear parents were coaxed into letting me go for the sophomore spring sabbatical. Naturally, being clever I shared that my class was all going on trips and I didn’t want to be left out.
How my smart Italian father never caught on that only 25 students out of a class of 70 were taking trips, I’ll never know. To that end, it was time to pack for this exciting adventure.
Taking the “family” suitcase with my Keds, shorts, t-shirts and 1 bathing suit I was ready for the big adventure. Flying for the first time from Chicago to Oahu, 8 hours later and my classmates and I arrived at the open airport of Honolulu.
It was that moment, when I thought I could live here for the rest of my life.
Upon arriving at our hotel on the beach in Waikiki everyone was dressed in flowy dresses and pants paired with flip flops. Pre-Fashionista and way before I knew anything about clothing, shoes and styles, I couldn’t believe my eyes – bathing suits were the norm with cut offs and tank tops at the nice restaurants our chaperones took us to.
Now many years later, and having just returned from my umpteenth trip to the Hawaiian Islands, and having packed way too many outfits that were not needed, if only I could have referred to my 15 year old self that less is more. I should have packed my suitcase with the basic essentials, shorts, a couple of sundresses, sandals and sunscreen,
I would have be less preoccupied with what to take and more importantly be in the moment of time with my loved ones. Perhaps the moral of this story is to take each day as it comes and don’t spend too much time worrying about the things that we cannot change.
