The next and final stop in my island adventure was the big island of Hawaii, carefully chosen because I wanted to see the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. What I didn't realize was that although the island of Hawaii is approximately 230 miles in circumference, or what might be a 3-4 hour drive in total, getting around the island is much more difficult. On this island, island time means slow, slow, slow because you just can't get from here to there, or Kona to Hilo, without circling that big expanse.
Slowing down has its perks. For visitors to the big island, the slow pace of the drive leads you through lava fields, ranches, tropical rainforests and valleys of indescribable, untouched, rolling green fields all while viewing the incredible sand and waves of the Pacific Ocean. Beauty surrounds you, in so many forms; but to take it all in, one must relax and open their mind and heart to the experience. One can't be rushed to get to Mt. Kilauea for to do so would mean that you miss the small attractions along the way where the culture of island life plays out.
As one slows down, they understand that their visit to Hawaii can make them an optimist because it is difficult to view the awe and wonder of nature without a sense of hope.
Working with an Optimist Club provides a sense of hope for we work to bring out the best in children. With projects, big and small, we share optimism with those around us today and help future generations adopt a similar attitude so they may also share optimism. A sense of optimism develops when you look for the beauty that is all around you. Look for the potential and nurture it; join an Optimist Club and bring out the best in youth, your community, and yourself.
Find an Optimist Club here or contact me and I will help you start a new Optimist Club in your community.