By Gina Alzate, The Concept Whiz
Traveling brings to us life lessons we overlook back home. I suppose we get too busy to take notice or we get in the rut of routines that we take each day for granted. Yet, if we look closer, each day is not the same as the one before. It brings us unique experiences if we choose to pay attention. The weather alone is different, so are the people we meet, the situations we face, and the choices we make. Each day is a story in itself, broken down into different chapters of our lives. But if we are like most people we know, we think nothing of it but just another day. Until we face a significant emotional event, then we remember every second that transpired within that day. Perhaps we may even exaggerate a little for dramatic effects. Still, we remember the meaning of the day and how time stood still, at least in our hearts.
Today reminds me of my recent trip to the beautiful island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i. It is Springtime now and the songbirds were enjoying themselves in their chorus at daybreak. For a while there I thought I was back in Kaua’i where the birds were prominent greeters of the dawn. Colorful beautiful birds graced my windows as they perched themselves on the branches of plumeria trees. I wished the plumeria was in bloom then as I love their fragrance and soft five-petaled beauty in white or pink with hints of yellow in the center. But the singing and agile take off and landing acrobatics of these wonderful aerial creatures made my morning coffee time just as delightful.
One of the things I love to do when I travel to a new place is to explore either on foot or with a car. I love to drive everywhere, just to see what is out there, check out who is doing what and why. People I meet are truly gifts of abundance. I love to hear their stories, the way many speak with their hands when animated. I giggle to see the twinkles in their eyes when they talk about their passions. For some reason, people are more open to share of their passions with total strangers.
So, I enjoyed myself listening to others’ dreams, their reasons for moving to Kaua’i, how they fell in love with the natural beauty of the island and the warmth of the people they befriended, and how they decided to stay and enjoy the gifts of paradise everyday.
As I explored Kaua’i, I cannot help but pick up nuggets of wisdom along the way. I wrote 10 which stayed with me.
1. If you want to find fun-loving people, go where it is brightly lit and you hear music playing.
2. Stay focused on the road ahead of you, especially when it is pitch dark.
3. When in doubt, don’t do it especially when the surf’s high.
4. The most expensive restaurant is not always the best; go to the sidewalk instead.
5. Talk to the locals for the inside scoop; you might get a laugh or two and a friendship in between.
6. Remember to look up and around or beauty might pass you by unnoticed.
7. When it is sunny outside, go out and play before the rain comes back.
8. Extend kindness to strangers as you might need kindness later on when you don’t expect it.
9. Some things are not meant to happen so don’t push it, or you might hurt yourself trying.
10. Watch how the locals behave before you jump in and make a fool of yourself.
About Gina Alzate
Gina Alzate is The Concept Whiz. She is Holistic Life Designs’ Metaphysical Therapy Educator. She is Host of several online radio talk shows and Broadcaster for World Radio 365. She is a lifelong student of Leadership and Empowerment, World Travels and Diverse Cultures, Metaphysics, Holistic Health and Spirituality. She teaches about human consciousness and personal awareness through radio broadcasting, writing and workshops on land and at sea. Contact her through World Tours and Cruises. Follow her on Twitter @GinaAlzate.
