Life's About the Journey

How many times have we heard “Life is all about the journey”?

But honestly it is TRUE.

Reflecting back on the hike I recently went on (Koko Head), the hike was much more than just getting from the bottom to the top. If you've hiked #KokoHead before or if you know about it, then I am sure you know that climbing from the top to the bottom is definitely a major #journey ... of pain and sweat. Koko Head is 1.5 miles of an abandoned railroad track which equals to about 1,048 steps. I like to call it the stair master on steroids. But this time around, this hike was not full of pain and sweat; it was filled with happy memories and patience.

But what truly made Koko Head as enjoyable as it was were all of the moments before, after, and in-between. Memories were created starting with planning the hike from trying to find parking because the lot was FILLED with cars from the baseball games. Then it began to rain and we were wondering when and if the rain would stop before it was time to start hiking.

Finally, the hike began. But wait. There was a delay because a #lifelesson was learned: Do not leave items in your pockets because they are more than likely to fall out.

Next were the hellos and smiles exchanged with strangers and dogs, the different views on the hike, and hearing the band songs from the high school football game. (This also came with me reciting my high school band songs dances that are engraved in my muscle memory). All of these moments didn’t happen at the start or at the end of the hike; these #experiences happened before and during the journey.

At last, we made it to our destination. The #view was beyond beautiful and the gratification we felt was immense. But this was not the end. The climb down was just as fulfilling as the climb up (only darker and less dogs). By the time our hike was finished the sky was growing with stars, the parking lot was empty, and our stomachs were growling. So we ended the successful hike and day as any normal person would, with some quick and delicious food.

Wow. So many events centered all around just ONE HIKE. So yes, life is all about the journey. Don’t worry about making it to the top. Enjoy the moments you have on your way there. I have done this hike many times before and sometimes I have just been focused on making it to the top as quickly as I can. During those times, I had less memories and did not enjoy the journey as much. I've learned that when we stop to enjoy where we are at in each moment, there is more to be grateful for. You will get to where you need to be and become who you are meant to become. Be patient, live in the present moment, and #embrace the journey.

Mahalo, Te amo!