Shell-shocked

So, I thought I had it all figured out... until I met you. Now I am not so sure.... But that's life for ya - full of surprises.

What I'm bringing home with me...

Its quickly approaching - the end to this short short chapter. Many might think that this short trip could not have been so influential, full of so much impact. But, those are people who have not lived on Maui. Trust me, my friends, this 9 month stint has changed my life. Nothing like I thought it would be, more than I dreamed it might.

Someone recently asked me what it is that I have learned here on Maui. There are several things. But the single most important thing has been this: to be open with my love and affection. So much of the time we are too focused on the sexual implications of love and affection. We hold back for fear of what others may think. Instead of just trusting ourselves and our ability to love unconditionally, platonically, rhetorically, we reserve ourselves and our affection for only the most dramatic of scenarios. Here, I have found that it is easy for me to love you, to hug you, to kiss you, and to know that such love and affection does not necessarily lead us to the bedroom. Instead it leads to deeper connection and higher importance in our everyday interactions and relationships. It leaves me less jaded, and more excited. It allows me to be more generous and more free. And, that is more than I could have ever asked for.

Thursday night when I get on that plane, I will no doubt be in tears... we all know how I am. I will be sad, I will be nervous, I will be excited. But most of all, I will be grateful.