A Paradigm Shift…

Often times, a paradigm shift takes place right after an event or during the midst of a crisis. My recent travel to Hawaii, elicited a shift in my view on life; yet, my conclusion was not totally new. During my flight connection, I begin to imagine what I might encounter in Hawaii similar to my meditations I experienced during my travel to Germany last November. I was nervous, yet excited for the adventure. At times, I was curious, yet frantic that I would stick out like a sore thumb and be someone’s target. I traveled alone but not lonely. Just as I begin rehearsing self-talk to myself when I landed in Stuttgart, I started prepping myself for a different view of the world I awaited to receive from my stay on the Island of Oahu. I was not looking for an experience of what most perceive as paradise from the enjoyable temperatures or noticeable scenery. I was mostly interested in observing how people in different geographical areas – I travel to share my research – view their living space and opportunity of choice.  What does living a life of freedom look like by observing the Natives?

At the time of my connecting flight, I was unable to place my finger on what I could expect from Hawaii; though Bad Herrenalb was beautiful, as if to open a children’s book and view small houses stacked upward on the mountains, I was yet to observe the volcanoes in Hawaii and the historical experience I would sense. Germany was a time capsule for me. While jumping from one train to another, headed back to the airport, I was lead to my high school readings on Anne Frank. I was silent.

This year’s Service Day Event sponsored by The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development and Counselor’s for Social Justice during the American Counseling Association National Conference in Hawaii would have me as one of the co-chairs. My plans in Hawaii consisted of presenting an in-service on cognitive behavioral strategies relative to group motivation to the Department of Juvenile Justice Drug Court probation officers, counselors, and social workers for best practices when working with the juvenile population.

But the shift was ignited as I received the Ohana, which means Family in Hawaii, Award at the Counselor’s for Social Justice Brunch.

I listened attentively to Poka Laenui (Hayden F. Burgess), a Hawaii attorney, speak on how the annexation of Hawaii to the U.S. is quite similar to how Russia has annexed Crimea. As Poka Laenui spoke about the systems of this world, I mimicked his stern discomfort with being a part of a system that does not only welcome my ideas of how the system may benefit the population I represent but how non-dominant cultures continue to be underserved by every system (e.g. Education, Health, Law Enforcement, Politics, Religion, etc.) of this world that flows with abundant resources.

After his message and taking pictures, I found myself meditating on how do I achieve a well-lived life outside the walls of these systems that are intertwined within all of our lives. For myself. I concluded that I am no longer interested in chasing the cheese that seems to always get MOVED!

Soon after my return, a friend of mine shared an equation of one’s idea to a successful life. Simply put: (P + T) x A x A = LS

For a few days, I considered long and hard about my P and T. I started taking notes of both A’s I needed to become aware of so that I can be on my way to a happily achieved LS.

What are you PASSIONATE about?

What are you TALENTED in?

Once you figure this part of the equation out, combine your PASSION with your TALENT(S) first! – This should create an encouraged and unyielding motivation about your PASSION and your TALENTS, one that makes you want to move, where no seat is too comfortable to stay still.

Next, find people, groups, organizations who you can and need to ASSOCIATE yourself with to encourage your motivation. Those you associate yourself with should be like lighter fluid to your flame. Keep it hot!

Then, get involved with ACTIVITIES, after ACTIVITIES, after ACTIVITIES! – This will place you in positions to create connections, more support or lighter fluid for your flame, and opportunity to display and share your PASSION and TALENT(S) to = a LIFE of SUCCESS!

My envisioned well lived life includes many leading roles; so much so, I struggle to narrow the roles to priority versus desire. As I contemplated on the places I could escape to, to avoid the world’s corrupted systems, I discovered that such a place only exists after life. Sitting here, chuckling at my own self, I am reminded that my well lived life consists of bringing Heaven to Earth through my Passions and TALENTS. As I yell at you, I am yelling at myself… Resurrect your PASSION and TALENTS and LIVE!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!