I just traveled down to Hawaii with my family for an amazing adventure of a trip.
We swam in the ocean and observed the fish living below; we listened to the ocean’s melody: the crystal blue waves crashing against the rocks; we witnessed the rising of the sun from 10,000 feet at the top of a technically still active volcano; mostly though, we hiked through muddy trails trying to see spectacular views of waterfalls, trees, and water. On these long hikes, I learned some important lessons that I would like to share.
1. Sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is to face it head on
While hiking, we faced some very muddy trails, and many times we tried to find an alternate path: sticks and rocks to step on, grass to tread on, or trees to lean on. Sometimes, those alternate paths worked, but sometimes they led to more mud. Sometimes, we ended up more muddy than the people who went through the muddy trail. In the end, I learned that maybe going straight through the mud was the best option. But it’s not just mud, it’s any problems that we face. When faced with a problem, I try to find an alternate path; I try to avoid it, but by facing my fears and the problems head on, I might end up better for it.
2. Sometimes you have to take some risks
The second picture is of me swimming underneath a waterfall off of the Road to Hana. It was sprinkling a bit, and I was very worried about the current sweeping me away into the ocean. For this reason, I did not want to get into the icy water. But something drove me to take the rocky path towards the waterfall and into the water. It was a difficult albeit short swim against the strong current towards the falls. If I stopped to take a break, the current pushed me back to where I had started. Finally, I made it under the waterfall gasping for air. It was exhilarating, I could hear the pounding water as if it were in me replacing my heart beat or my breathing. I could feel it swishing powerfully around me. I was amazed, and knew that the risk was worth it. I learned from this waterfall that sometimes you need to take risks, and sometimes those risks can seem scary or dangerous or hard, but in the end, whether that risk be changing your major at school, making a risky move at work, or anything, the risk is worth it. Sometimes it won’t work out, but at least you will not be sitting wondering what might have been.
3. Beauty is everywhere
Whether you are 10,000 feet high on the top of a volcano or at sea level at a 150 year old church, you can find beauty. Not only can you find beauty, you can find signs of life which is beauty in itself. From the top of the volcano, there were flattened areas where the natives used to live, looking closely I could see the outlines of their humble abodes, and I could see other creatures who made this seemingly barren land their home. At the church, I looked through a broken window to see beautiful signs of worship: Bibles sitting on a table, flowers sitting behind the altar, statues of the Holy Family, and elevated above all, the crucifix. These remote places, that have been exposed for many years to the harsh elements are still beautiful; I just had to look. This could be said for everyday, everywhere; beauty is a gift given to everyone; all you have to do is look for it.
4. Complaining doesn't get you closer to the top
On our second day of hiking, we were on a windy trail covered in mud and roots. In addition, mosquitos made us their 8 course dinners. I walked away with 30 bug bites on my legs. It was a difficult hike. I found myself complaining, my legs are itchy, I’m covered in mud. And in the end, the view at the top was of a picnic table a patch of grass making me question if it was even worth it. But on the way down we passed a family going up. At the back of the pack was a man with one leg, following his group with crutches. He wasn’t complaining either. He jumped over roots with grace. I realized that my complaints were getting me closer to the top or making me look stronger for getting there. That man showed me that it’s your strength that gets you to the top of the mountain. It doesn’t matter how fast you get there or how hard you complained it was; it matters how hard you work.
5. It's about the journey not the destination
As I mentioned in the last lesson I learned, one of our hikes had a very disappointing view at the end: a picnic table and a patch of grass. I was at first disappointed; we hiked all this way for nothing? But looking back at my journey to the top I realized I had no reason to be disappointed. The hike itself was fun, and I created tons of memories during it. I got to stand at the trek across a fallen tree and pretend to be a tightrope walker, arms out wide, trying not to fall in the mud. My dad and I found a new trail and walked along the sound of a waterfall (though we never got to see it). I leaped from a rock to a branch to another rock trying to keep my feet a little clean but somehow failing to do so, but in the process having tons of fun. I got to spend some time with my family adventuring into the unknown. It was the journey that made the memories, not the destination. I learned that sometimes life is about living, not about trying to be someone or to get ahead.
