Hawaiian Word of the Week: wana'ao

I have so many feelings today, on the wana’ao (pronounced: wah-nah-ow) or dawn of a new year. I am excited, reflective, tired (still recovering from Christmas!), and most of all, hopeful. 

While today is really just the flip of the calendar to a new year, it is so symbolic for everyone. New Year resolutions such as losing those extra pounds you are carrying, looking for a new job, or being kinder starts now. It’s a day filled with hope for a better future and a better you. 

As I watch the sunrise this morning, my feelings of hope intensify. It’s a new day, a new year and a blank slate is in front of me to do better than the year before. It won’t be about new year’s resolutions for me (goodness knows I already have enough deadlines in front of me that adding resolutions will just put more stress on me).  It’s about realizing each day brings the opportunity to do better. I know some days won’t be as successful as others but as long as my reflection at the end of the year has overall improvement, I’ll be good with that! 

How do you feel about the wana’ao on the new year? 

Hauʻoli makahiki hou (Happy New Year) from the She Lives Aloha/Hawaii at Home ohana!

Our ohana on Maui still needs us. Please consider donating to help the relief efforts on Maui.

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