Lessons from Maui

Pessimism vs. Optimism

I’m sorry to admit it, but, I’m a pessimist. For some reason, I always feel that things won’t go as planned. Why? I don’t know. On the other hand, in case you didn’t know it, Judy is an optimist. Let me give you an example. We had to get a new rental car today, Judy found a coupon for a free upgrade. Me being a pessimist, and reading the fine print—based on availability—I thought, no way. But, after waiting in line at the rental place, and showing up at the counter with a smile (mainly Judy), we got the upgrade. Actually, a double upgrade…imagine that!

Ray of Light

There’s more. We are driving back towards Lahaina, and we both see these wonderful rays of light spilling down between almost vertical mountains to the right. I say “think we should stop to take a picture?” <—pessimist) Judy says, “yes, let’s drive down that road.” <—optimist) So, we do. I take that photo (above) and we continue down the road, not knowing where it will lead, but enjoying the journey. We come across a pasture with horses below the mountain—an unbelievable sight (below). Judy says, let’s keep going, so we do. Further down that road we find another way back to Lahaina, and stumble across two golf courses that I had read about (Kahili and King Kamehameha), gorgeous places. Serendipity? Or providence for turning off the road?

A little piece of heaven

Kahili Golf Course

King Kamehameha Golf Club (private), Frank Lloyd Wright designed club house.

It’s saying yes rather than no, leaving yourself open to the possibilities. It’s turning off the road you know, to find another way home, and in doing so, discovering something better out there. I know that having time on our side allows us to do that. But, I wonder what the future would be like if we all turned down that road more often.

I’m so grateful we turned down that road today.

Rush hour on Maui

See you next time.