Sadly, I’ve been sick for the past two weeks. All I’ve been wanting to do is stay in bed. But as a mom of a 3-year-old, I don’t have that option. Because at 6:30 a.m., my human alarm clock comes charging into my room with an energy level that surpasses mine on my best day, ready for her breakfast and demanding attention.

So while I haven’t had the luxury of a day in bed, I have slowed my roll. Being sick forced me to pay attention to my needs and take care of myself. Like they say at the start of every flight, “put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.” It’s a message many of us tune out - myself included.

That’s why Vanessa and I established She Lives Aloha. We wanted to build a company founded on the principles of: Malama, aloha, and lokahi.

Malama [mah-lah-mah] - to take care

Aloha - love, peace and compassion

Lokahi [low-kah-hee] - harmony and balance

Together, they guide the choices we’re making as a company - and in our lives.

Are you finding that it’s all too easy to get caught up in reacting to daily demands instead of doing things that feed your soul? Could you use a little reminder to allow yourself the time in which reflect and recenter? Are you looking to develop meaningful connections and be present in those moments?

If yes, join our ohana. We’re just starting out, but it’s going to be an exciting ride over the next few months as we launch our first products and we’d love your opinion along the away.

If you’re looking for inspiration and connection, our Facebook group is an amazing community that’ll help guide you in living aloha every day.

Every day, every minute - we get to decide who we are meant to be and how we want to live our lives. We’re not always going to get it right, but we’ll get by with a little help from our ohana.