Do you often think of the best way to live your life, or is that best left to philosophers? Perhaps raising a family, holding down a job, and paying off a mortgage is enough to have on your plate at any one time.
My name is Victor. I am 70 years old. My story is about how I overcame things to reach the goal of finding happiness in Hawaii.
Life is a complicated affair, mainly because of the myriad choices we have to make. Children are spared much of this burden because most of the choices are made for them. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, they’re free to choose what they consider dream jobs. For boys, professional athlete, doctor, and musician. For girls, teacher, doctor, and veterinarian.
No child chooses wage slave, but that’s what most will become.
Be creative! I was fortunate in that my father stressed the importance of starting my own business. Not only would I make more money, but I would be my own boss. I could exercise my creativity without someone standing by with a bucket of cold water. So, after being honorably discharged from the Navy, I opened a laboratory. I eventually moved on to other endeavors, but the laboratory remains in operation today. Quality one – live creatively!
Don’t be single! I married and had children. The marriage ended the way most do, but I learned a lesson from that. A marriage should be held together by shared interests. When I was ready to marry again, I searched for a match. I was unsuccessful until I reached out to Russia, where I found Irina, my wife. Quality two – have a partner!
Live within your means! At this point, two of the qualities I need for happiness were taken care of. Next I had to find the ideal place to live. We chose Hawaii, not because of its reputation as a tourist’s paradise, but because if you choose the right location, you can live within your means. And, of course, because of the year- round good weather and the amazing view of the stars. We found a fixer-upper in Ocean View Estates at 2800 feet altitude (cooler than the coast), and set about creating our own two-acre paradise. Associated costs are lower than in any of the ten states I have lived in. Quality three was in place.
Stay healthy! Once the house was made like new, I brought in forty yards of mulch and tackled the landscaping. I wanted a combination of ornamental plants/trees and a vegetable garden. Health would be the fourth quality, and to me, diet is an essential component for good health. Being in a frost-free area means I can grow things all year round, without pesticides. Together with the exercise working outdoors and swimming in the ocean provides, good health should follow, putting quality four in place.
Be social! I was thinking of the benefits of a rewarding social life and yes, it does add years to a person’s life. Perhaps you have heard a word Ohana. For someone who is looking for a property in Hawaii this word is associated with Ohana house. It’s more to it. Ohana is a family. In Hawaii anyone who is your friend can become your Ohana.
In conclusion I can add that living in Hawaii you feel Aloha Spirit everywhere. Where else do strangers wave to you as they (or you) drive by?