Paradise Potpourri

This week, we spent six days at sea. That is a first for me.  

There is plenty to see, eat, and drink onboard. I have not once wondered what to do with myself.  

While planning this trip on land, I was convinced I would have plenty of time to write several pages of my book on sea days. The reality is that while I am aware that reading and writing are always available options, I can’t seem to focus on them. 

Maybe it's because I don’t have my usual writing nooks and scheduled quiet time like I do at home. Or perhaps it's because there are so many other options to distract me. I feel like I’m missing out if we don’t participate in at least some of the ships' activities. 

A cooking show onboard with the executive chef, Darran, Cruise Director BettyAnne, and Assistant 

The Lido Deck (buffet) at lunchtime 

We are keeping busy. Today, for instance, we had coffee delivered to the room, got dressed for On Deck for a Cause, where we walked two miles on the promenade to benefit the restoration of Maui, met up with a friend, saw a presentation on Hawaii Up Close, played Deal or No Deal (great fun), had a video call with my family, wrote for an hour or so, and am now getting ready to go to a presentation on Honolulu. 

And it is only just after three o’clock.  

On Deck for a Cause Walkers. Beautiful day! 70 degrees. 

Excellent presentation on Hawaii Up Close: Native Hawaiian Spirit

Deal or No Deal. So much fun. I’m hooked! 

While walking around the promenade this morning, the song “You're Going to Miss This” by Trace Atkins came to mind:

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

We are already ten days into our 22-day vacation. Even in this new environment, familiar habits begin to emerge. I start to focus on keeping those routines going versus noticing anything new going on around me. 

For example, while walking the promenade, I found myself looking at my Fitbit for a sufficient amount of steps and forgot all about the choppy, deep, cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific that surround me. 

 I am looking to see what is next and not enjoying what is. 

I truly desire to focus on where I am and what is going on around me right now because I won’t be in this place under these circumstances again. I need to pay attention and take it all in physically and mentally. 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, so I don’t want to waste my attention on everyday habits I can do any day, anywhere.  

This is special, and I want to treat it with the respect it deserves. 

 These are not ordinary days. (My mantra).

I still enjoy taking my usual walks, but I'm determined to become more aware of the beauty, joy, and uniqueness around me.

Often, I attempt to use words or photos to capture something special from every single day so that years from now, I can revisit this place in my mind with fond memories.

I aim to avoid mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or email while in paradise.

I can find diversions online later. It’s not important. This moment is. It won’t likely come again.  

Perhaps I am beginning to feel less appreciation for where I am because we have spent nearly a week at sea. The ocean seems unchanging, the entertainment onboard feels less distinctive, and even the fine dining is predictable. 

But, starting tomorrow and for the next five days, we will be touring four locations in Hawaii: Kona, Kauai, Honolulu (for two days as Lahaina, Maui is being rebuilt after the tragedy in 2023), and Hilo. 

My camera and I intend to be fully present and to take in all the Aloha Spirit.   

Have you ever found yourself distracted in a beautiful place and lost in your phone or a good book? In the comments, I’d love to hear how you refocused on your surroundings. 

Do you use pictures or journals to recall your vacations? How do you stay present on long trips away from home?  

Next time, I promise to send you some pictures of our adventures in Hawaii and tell you some new memories I’ve made. 

As always, thank you for reading! 

Keep smiling!

xx