One year... three months.

Tried to make sure I wrote every month that marked the anniversary of my arrival here in Hawaii. I missed it by one day. Yesterday would have been exactly a year and three months since I've resided here.  I arrived on this island on September 28, 2011 with a lot less weight on me and a lot more disdain about the option to relocate. See, food makes you happier! It's that or I just forced myself to adapt to my environment, which had the most positive of placebo effects.

 

...and being positive is the only option at this point...

 

  

This year has been full of memories, and I have appreciated each and every one of them.  I don't always feel that upbeat.  My life has changed for the good and the bad.  I came here with the mentality that I had just met my archenemy and deemed him my stepfather.  He has now developed into one of my best friends and transformed into something unfamiliar and amazing--my father.  Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with colon cancer in October of this year, 2012. 

 

It concerns me on a daily basis, and it's difficult to function knowing some of the hardships my family (especially my mother) endures.  Nonetheless, I also have great faith in our family unit's ability to overcome, exceed and triumph over adversity's indirect way of providing our minds' character.  That's all any of this is--a test of character and faith.  And, whatever the challenge brings, a new phase of strength will be restored.

My Life is Fun

 

"and I'll continue to wear my smile when my tears have left me cold"

Whatever a person's perception of God, common sense or the greater power of being good is, there's no harm in being grateful.  I do happen to believe in God.  To some, it may seem like a silly feat but it gives me great hope to thank something/someone higher, each day, for providing me with the mental sustenance to overcome my heart's occasional despondence.  And when you love as hard as I do, it's easy to fall prey to being heartbroken.

 

I meet people with the intention of loving who they are.  At times, I've been disappointed by own naivete and insecurities.  But more often than not, I'm enlightened.  I learn something from everyone I meet.  And, as long as I'm learning, I'm growing... which gives me the stamina to continue to persevere in whatever goal I may be striving to attain.

  

 

And my only goal for 2013 is to give back everything I have been given...

I wish everyone the happiest 2013!

 Stay positive, stay focused and stay grateful.