Aloha Ohana.

I am a lover of Hawaiian culture. Period.  If you know me, you are already aware of my passion for the islands and the people.  I feel that I have a deep connection with the land and people of Hawaii, so much that I even have it tattooed on me.  I carry with me my sacred honu (turtle), the islands, Live Aloha, and a special design up my right side.  I can also be seen with an Aloha or Maui necklace on as well.  But what does this have to do with my blog today?  Actually, everything!

In the Hawaiian culture, ohana means family in an extended sense.  The term ohana was made more mainstream with the Disney Film Lilo & Stitch when Lilo says “Ohana means family.  Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”  Today I have returned to my ocean ohana.  Yes, we all do make mistakes and maybe do things that we regret and have to pay the consequences.  Returning back to my previous employer, I felt the warmth and connection of my ohana.  Although I had left, I was welcomed back with open arms and to be made feel that I belonged.  I definitely was not forgotten, and it made me feel valued.

Who is your ohana?  How have you shown your appreciation to them lately?  Who is in your close group of friends?  Have you taken the time to connect with them?

Keep your ohana close.  They are there to support you in the good and bad times and no matter what, they do not judge you and accept you for who you are.  These are the people to keep close in your special unit, because everyone deserves to be appreciated and to be accepted with love and aloha.