I Went On Vacation

#50 And The World Changed

Aloha,

My last week was spent in paradise: sunshine, flowers, and beauty. A sharp contrast to the people of Ukraine whose week was spent in hell: caught in a war through no choice of their own. It was surreal to watch the news on television, then watch a glorious sunset at the ocean. My heart and prayers are with the Ukrainian people.

My daughter and son-in-law gifted me with a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii. We explored the island, from the Tropical Botanical Gardens near Hilo to the Puuhonua o Honauna National Historical Park in the south, and everywhere in between.

We bought leis, had delicious dinners, shopped, and played – a far cry from what Ukrainians experienced during that week. More about my adventures and the lessons learned later on.

On the one hand, at age 83, I kept up – yea. We walked about 4 ½ miles a day, down to Akaka Falls and over the volcanic rock at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

On the other hand, I wasn’t as self-sufficient as hoped, couldn’t climb the rocks like a goat, needed a helping hand from time to time, and was less confident. There are reasons why or why not, but the truth is that I could not have made the trip on my own.

In terms of aging well - this was a win - a challenge, wonderful, and fun experience that I managed with support. It highlighted areas that I could improve and areas I might want to accept. Improvements such as, balance exercises, leg strengthening, and better preparation.  Acceptance that my mind wants to do things that my body may not be willing or able to do at this age.

The award-winning actor and director, Alan Alda, told his younger self that the secret to life lies in three words: “Adapt, adjust, and revise.”

So I am back from paradise and ready to explore additional ways to age well - adapting, adjusting, and revising along the way.  

Mahola