Fly Me to an Island

 

Fly Me to an Island

I love being on a plane for so many reasons. Less than a decade ago, I was terrified. 

Now I get on a plane with a sense of wonder and anticipation. I settle into my seat, feeling the island waves of excitement wash over me—the turbulence rocks me to sleep and when I wake up, I am closer to the universe than I can ever physically get in this lifetime. The thrill of embarking on a new journey, no matter how momentary it is, and the promise of adventure and leaving behind the familiar. Traveling is a string of rich experiences; I am not sure who I would be without them.
The view from above captivates me. Clouds stretch out like the most ideal bedding at HomeGoods- I wonder what it would be like if they were made of material. Getting lost in a cloud and just wrapping myself up- until I realize that is an illusion- I jump back into my body when the plane starts to shake from the invisible winds.  I would always get lost looking out of the window. It was a new world. Then, I woke up at age 17 in a full panic attack that took years to subside- one of them being the fear of flying (and learning much later) what it was really is: the lack of control.


In those moments, I feel connected to something larger than myself, as if I’m part of a beautiful story unfolding in the sky.


Life is momentary, fleeting like the waves that rock back and forth on the island's shores. I don’t need to stay here long to know what Aloha feels like. The islands hold a magic that resonates deep within my soul—every moment is invaluable. I learn something every second I am on the ʻāina. I find solace in the sound of the ocean, the same way I hear the plane engine starting; the same way I do when soothing words from my friends assure me that growing has its pains, and the same way the therapist describes constant comfort as unsatisfying as a whole…I nod quietly to myself with this new realization and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. For every person and experience that I've had in my life. Everything is exactly as it should be…will be…is currently…

It only takes an hour on an island to feel a connection to something greater—a sense of belonging to the land and its rich culture. The aloha spirit, its warmth and kindness, the patience and resistance; the embrace of a comforting hug from the ancestors, and mahalo for the respect.  In those hours in the air, I find freedom and possibility. It’s a love letter to adventure, a celebration of life’s journey, even for a day on an island, and a reminder that the world is full of wonders, just waiting to be explored.

Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA

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