Happiness is how you see things

     A recent tropical storm reminded me about how our happiness depends on our perspective on life.  The TV and radio stations went out of their way to warn people about the impending storm by focusing on the "Worst Case Scenario" which once again sent people crowding into the supermarkets to buy bottles of water, lining up for gasoline and propane, and barreling into the hardware stores for flashlights and plywood.

      Instead of promoting calm and reasonable preparation, the media whipped people into a frenzy.  On social media platforms, weather forecast images appeared and reappeared on a daily, hourly basis.

     The wonderful thing about living on Hawaii Island is that we have an effective Civil Defense team which involves county, state, and private entities.  We are exposed to so many things:  tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, torrential rains, flooding...and yet, most of the Hawaii islanders take it in stride.  We have been through it.  We have our supplies ready.  We can weather a storm, with a peace of mind.

     This past weekend, over 100 women gathered in historic Kailua for a Red Hat Convention.  Many people came from the mainland and Canada.  Many traveled from the outer islands.  All of this despite the frightful storm warnings.  Out of the number, only seven girls did not attend.  A couple because of flight cancellations.  Some were afraid to drive across the island. Yet the girls who kept a "cautionary optimism" per Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, arrived safely in Kailua and were greeted by intermittent shows and a whole bunch of fun, excitement, and blingitude!

     Succumbing to a negative view can keep people from enjoying life and having fun!  Don't be paralyzed by the worst case scenario.  Prepare and go out and live life!