Hi Sally, I think sometimes we just need to slow down and appreciate each other. I think the whole world needs a little more Aloha. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Linda:  Appreciation is a good thing!  I'm fat. And...meeting with Randy, Kathy McGraw (here visiting) and Linda (Bruce Bourgault's widow) this morning for breakfast. Then heading to North Shore!  The aloha is thriving right now!

Have fun and tell them all I said Hello!

Sally.... it still sounds like that Hawaii and the surrounding Islands are still very giving in so many ways. But getting back to your first paragraph or so, in my honest opinion, so many of us have gotten away from the basics. The basics of caring about and for others....lending a hand, and even that friendly hello while walking past someone down the street. It has become more of a 'me me' type of society. It comes down to what and how we teach our children. 

In any case... refreshing post and this is just my opinion in where our society is in a whole.

Aloha...Sally!

Take pictures Sally so we can all be a part of your meeting! 

Linda: WooHoo...finally get to meet a couple of people. I look at every one else's pictures... Randy got to got to NAR...I had to hold the fort.

Jeff: I know what you mean. .....  It's what we are teaching our children...yes.

Monika:  WooHoo! (oh, said that already hehe) My camera is charged baby!

Sally, I like your concept: "We, the people, can make the Aloha happen no matter where we are" I have made it my mission to live by this concept. I am also teaching my children to live by this, although at times it is hard for children to understand this notion, but they try to do their best.

Isn't it ironic that people are nicer to strangers than they are to their own friends, family and neighbors? (Visitors 9.3, Locals 6.7) If everyone would just take responsibility for their actions, and go the extra mile, there could potentially be 100% Aloha Spirit, everyhwere. =)

Sally, Nice post. Sometimes we forget even little things can make a difference. Slowing down and being present to people around us can open up all sorts of opportunities to just smile and be nice! Thanks for writing about this and I hope the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend is wonderful!

Mana: Because it's true! Only we can travel whatever road we choose. Thanks Mana....no matter what ...the children learn from us.

Lisa: It wasn't about being nicer....it was about how we perceive things....when the locals were interviewed they took a more negative look...we're the ones watching the news and listening to all the bad stuff....the visitors are here enjoying themselves and not really paying much attention to anything but the Aloha :)

Joeann: It sure will be! Stay tuned for pics from today and I look forward to meeting you in January!

Aaah, but we ARE the media, Sally!  And we get to talk about the good stuff all we want.  :o)  When people read about Hawaii as seen through your eyes, I'm sure they think even more that it's paradise.  

I know I do! 

Of course there is always a positive side of almost everything.  We just have to look for it.  Sally, on the other hand see it everywhere.

Smiles.

Sally - First, thanks for explaining what the spirit of Aloha is - I had no idea.

Second - That is a drop dead gorgeous photo!!! WOW!!!  I would have thought you were at least 10 years younger than you said you are!!! Way to go, girl!

I feel the spirit of Aloha and her name is Sally :-)

Sally,

Your last statement says it all, you are most definitely the spirit of the Aloha! :)

Woo Hoo Sally...

I agree with Lenn. Sometimes we just have to step back and "find" what makes us happy.

If we can't find it then it's up to us to create.

So...In closing...Create for yourself a lovely day :)

TLW...ROAR!

Sally, Wonderful post. I try to travel the Aloha road too...sometimes I take a wrong turn, then quickly backtrack once I realize what's down there, and get back on the right one.

Jo 

It must be your Hawaii upbringing.  You definitely live show the spirit of Aloha.

Sarah: I'd rather talk about the good stuff...and will continue ... because that is what is going to keep the inside of me filled with....Aloha.

Lenn: Thanks...I needed that. Hug back?

B &  B: The profile one?  I had that one up before the other one and decided to change back. This one is Photoshop makeup :)

Jennifer: Keep a positive outlook ...it'll be just fine...things always have a way of working themselves out...for the best.

Suzanne: Thanks....most of the time...human like everyone else but definitely finding my way.

TLW: I have to step back often....that's okay....live and learn. No matter what...it's always going to be up to me....I created a wonderful day....stay tuned.

Jo: And such is life isn't it! Pick ourselves up...dust ourselves off and have a wonderful day! Alohs!

Randy: Had fun this morning didn't we?...Stay tuned for more pics from North Shore HUGE waves!

Sally -choosing the positive over the negative seems like an easy concept, but for some reason it's not always the case. I would certainly choose Hawaii and positive over somewhere else and negative.

Sally,

You're right about the negative things making the headlines...it's up to us to never give in to it. I think the Aloha spirit is alive and well with the wonderful people in HI.

I wish they would spend at least 50% of the news talking about the positive, instead if its more than 2% I would be surprised.

Faina: That was cute....positive is what we make it...it comes from within :)

Lynda: And looking forward to meeting you in January!

Christina: Such is life in the news....:)

Hi Sally - what a wonderful world this would truly be if more people believed in and actually lived in the spirit of "Aloha".  I try to live my life that way, and like Jo-Anne said, once in awhile I end up on the wrong path but I try to quickly remedy that.

I love the Hawaiian philosophies of life that you share here with us - you so exemplify all you write!  I love reading your posts!!

Aloha to YOU!
Ann

Sally - you and your blogs always illustrate the best of aloha.  I have made  3 trips to Hawaii (not recently) and I always saw the spirit of Aloha.  Some of our best friends "retired"  (the are only in their early 50's) in Hawaii and they are always sharing stories of Alhoa -- It is a wonderful place and you are so luck to live there.  I hope to get back there before too long.

Hi Ann! I FIND a way to remedy it :) You're cool Ann...and one day I'm going to meet the New Hampshire gals!

Joan: Hey...I just turned 50...and I'm already here so I guess I'm lucky!

Sally, no matter the place or time, there are positives and negatives.  I think that we seem or choose to remember the good things about the past, especially our childhood.  Maybe because we looked at things then through the eyes of a child, and we see things differently as adults.  The important thing is that we do our part in being part of the positive today, and helping the world to be the place we want it to be.

George:  You above all bring a smile to my face when I read your comments. Thanks George...you are truly an inspiration for me to keep on the lighter side of life. Thanks!

Sally,

A HALO is an anagram of ALOHA...and a halo is defined as, "the aura of glory, veneration, or sentiment surrounding an idealized person or thing"...smart people those Hawaiians!!! Thanks,   Fran

Fran: That was a nice sentiment Fran. Thanks!

Sally, What a beautiful post and the meaning of Aloha.  I don't know why people like to hear and read so much about the negativity that goes on, it can pull me down.  I need to stay far away from it and always try to focus on things that are positive and uplifting.  It's so much nicer that way! 

Carole: I have to admit that I run across many negative ones...there is always a learning lesson in them you know...just gotta know when to detach and move on or it can consume you :) Thanks Carole...you always bring your lighter spirit her to remind me. :)

Aloha Sally.......hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day and ate lots of good food. As always, very nice post.

Hi Teri! I yes! Thanks for dropping by....now off to yours...have been trying to catch up ...:)

Sally, I agree with you. Many times we think things are worse than they really are. I know my phone rings for people that want to buy new homes.  If I read the local paper I think I would go for a long walk on a short bridge..:-) Maybe that is why I don't buy the paper anymore.

Sally,

Aloha is real..I always thought that Aloha just meant Hello and GoodBye. Now I as I read this Post there seems to be more. I myself haven't always been Positive, but i've learned how much better it feels when I think outside the box with a smile on my Face. Sally you make me smile, becasue of who you are, and I think thats great.

Aloha!!!

Tom Weiss

Sally - I first visited Honolulu in the 60's with my mom and my sister. I remember how shocked I was by how much it had grown when I returned decades later. I'm glad to hear the spirit of aloha is alive and well. You are one of its finest ambassadors.

Sally - I first visited Honolulu in the 60's with my mom and my sister. I remember how shocked I was by how much it had grown when I returned decades later. I'm glad to hear the spirit of aloha is alive and well. You are one of its finest ambassadors.

I don't care what anyone says...I would rather be on any beach in Hawaii with a bottle of suds and some tunes...just tuning out all the negs....just the sounds of the whispering winds:)

Mathew: Thank Matt....I know you get it too :)

Tom: More than you know...I smile right back at you buddy :)

Tom P: It has been a shock watching it!  I am astounded at our traffic and hoping the rail system coming will alleviate some of it.

Neal: ......and listening to the Brady Bunch theme :)

Hi Sally,
It is true the media does accentuate the negative but it is up to us personally to make the decision "do I want to look at life and my situation in a positive way or a negative way"?  I believe the decision and answer to that question makes a tremendous impact on our life.  A positive attitude attracts others with a positive attitude and the same with negativity.  

Sally, I'm sneaking on here for a minute to say the Aloha is alive and well here in Hawaii.......As you are so fond of saying it's all starts within......and yesterday you shared so much of yourself with us that we had a very special time.....and Randy and Linda.....everyone of you took time from your own lives.....that is the essence of giving, isn't it :) :)

I will write more later, but just wanted to say Thanks, and the Aloha is alive and well in your own persona. 

*** Hey, I went through that tunnel yesterday :)

Cynthia: Why of course!  We are human and experience different emotions....but as you said...it's up to us...I choose to spread some positivity around....woohoo!

Kathy: You sneak. :)  It does...it starts within....and boy did I have a good time....it was like old friends meeting up or something...thanks Kathy.  Friend :)

Interesting post & perspective on history Sally.  So often, we are harder on ourselves than others are.  Aloha is such a grace filled word...we have to choose to focus on it rather than negative issues.  Thanks for this post & hope you had a wonderful Celebration of Thanksgiving and Aloha with your family. :)

Thanks Lola...and so true... keep focusing and throwing out positive energy ...and everything will be just fine!

Sally-You are so right.  Aloha...to all!  We get what we give...we recieve what we put out and what goes around comes around.  Energy lots of positive energy....we just need more Aloha!  Will you come for a visit? :)

Midori: I would like to one day....I haven't been to the mainland since 1997. Don't like airplanes....long trips and got doggie. Hmmm. Won't you come for a visit to grab a bunch of Aloha? :)

Sally- I have been lurking for awhile- always happy to read what you post. The spirit of Aloha is alive in you, this is evident by the way you carry yourself with character and dignity, and your positive attitude. To be honest, I have been lurking because I have watched you GROW so much as a blogger, and like others here on Active Rain, you have inspired me to become a better blogger.  I admire your spirit of Aloha, and I can always count on it -

Hi Alecia! All of us have grown... and are able to give some insight to others. :) I wrote a sequel to this on my connection with other Active Rain members. I'm glad you were inspired by the positive people.

Sally ~  This is beautiful.  Hawaii is beautiful, and much like a human being is pretty inside and out, so is your state.  I have always found the people to be genuinely caring and very sweet!  Thank you for sharing your Aloha spirit with us when we cannot get over to your gorgeous neck of the woods!  :)

Sarah...when you decide you want to come here let me know...we'll go on an excursion!

Hi Sally ~  I will let you know the next time I am able to venture over!  I would love that time we would be able to spend together!  Have a wonderful and restful Sunday...  :)

Sally, I never really knew what Aloha meant. I thought it meant hello. Now I know and I am going to try to put the Spirit of Aloha and Malama in my business and everyday life. We all need to include this in our lives because society has gotten to be a "Me" generation, like Jeff says. We all need to be stewards and look and see what we can do to help one another in our society, especially at this time of year.

Sarah: Movie time!

Vickie: Oh, another gal who has somewhat same unvalues (is that a word for the ME thing? hehe) You are soooo on it. Support and teamwork is what we need...not all the other stuff. Thanks Vickie!

Sally ~  I am sooo looking forward to movies.  Are we watching chick flicks or action films?  I will bring the DVD's!  :)

Sally- You SO have the Aloha spirit! Oh, and there is a spirit that is only felt in Hawaii. No where on the mainland is that same Aloha spirit as you already know from your living on the mainland. You keep spreading the good side of Aloha and keep it there until I get there! Katerina

Sarah: You're funny...I meant I was getting off the pc to watch a movie :)  We watched Shrek 3 and later on we watched Oceans 13.

Katerina: Oh...it'll be alive and well here...through all our islanders :)