Finding Freedom On Haleakala

January 12, 2016

Have you ever been on a trail that you’ve never hiked, and yet suddenly you know exactly where you’re going? Which is a perfect metaphor for life and those moments of epiphany, right? Right.

We don’t have too many of those life-altering revelations, but a few years ago, in the belly of the Haleakala Crater, I experienced one of mine. It’s the reason you’re reading this. But hold up, let me start at the beginning.

A friend on Maui invited Josh and me to hike the Haleakala Crater. Normally, because of my job at the time, I would have responded with a soul saddening, No. But, as luck would have it, I didn’t have to work that weekend, which was unheard of in my job. I’d been putting in lots of nights and weekends; it was really starting to wear on me, and the thought of This isn’t the life I want, had begun finding me more and more often.

But when the timing is perfect, and adventure calls, you’d better jump on the opportunity. So Josh and I packed our bags and late Friday night, just after work, we hopped a flight to Maui.

The next dawn we headed up to the observation lookout at the top of Haleakala to get a jump on the day. Our destination – Paliku cabin, about 8 miles away from the lookout. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. There was a pleasant chill in the air, but the sun was shining brightly without a cloud in the sky! I felt like fate was shining a blessing on our adventure.

As we hiked, I noticed the stillness inside the crater. No city traffic noise, not many birds chirping (just the occasional nene honk),and no requests from urgent bosses. I felt hugged by the crater, supported by nature. Soon the cadence of my feet and the quietude of Haleakala set me to day-dreaming and desiring.

What if this was my normal weekend, not the perfect exception? What have I been missing with all this work?

I realized I missed my artwork and my creativity had taken up residence elsewhere. I put my jewelry making on the back burner when things got busy at work, but recently it seemed like I was ALWAYS busy.

THIS, this journey in nature, is living, I thought. And THAT life of creative void and constant work is NOT. I want THIS, and suddenly, I knew what I had to do. In the crater of that deceased volcano, I made a decision to leave my job and launch my jewelry line.

Best. Decision. Ever.

Now, through Josh’s photography and my designs, we are able to share what’s really important in life – experiences, memories, and connection – with each other and nature.

This business, this lifestyle, and this collection exists because of one quiet moment on a mountain, and it reminds me daily to make what matters a priority.

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