The new year brings feelings of excitement, freshness, and newness. With the start of a new year, we desire to be someone new–or at least change bad habits and become someone better than we were last year. In my mind, the start of the new year is a great time to study up on healthy principles and characteristics. The best way I can think of doing this is with Hawaiian values. To be well in 2019, read through the values below. Choose one that resonates with you or is something you know you need to work on, and then write 1-2 things that it inspires you to change in the next couple of months. Write the word somewhere you can see it, and work on the 1-2 things you want to change. Once you feel like you’ve mastered it, choose something else. Now read on and discover 5 Hawaiian ways to be well in 2019!

Aloha

This is the life force of the Hawaiian islands. The people breathe with aloha. They choose to live aloha, and you can too! Aloha is true, kind, pure love. It isn’t conditional. It isn’t rude, impatient, or hurtful. It is unconditional love for self, others, and the world. When you have aloha, you look for good in others, assuming the best of them. You love yourself and do things to take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Lōkahi

Maybe you are newly married, or maybe you’re just trying to build stronger relationships with other people. Lōkahi is unity. As you strive to attain lōkahi, you recognize that every living person has weaknesses, including yourself. You spend time with those who will build you up and help you overcome your weaknesses. Likewise, you build up others and help them overcome their weaknesses. You recognize that every person has trials and challenges, and you lend a hand of kindness and compassion. You do not seek reasons to find fault, but instead seek reasons to compliment and build others. You turn the other cheek to those who treat you unkindly. Ultimately, you discover lōkahi in your relationships with others, yourself, and God.

Mahalo

Instead of wishing for more, you express gratitude for the things you already have. You breathe with gratitude for your blessings as well as your challenges, knowing that your challenges make you stronger. You never withhold a “thank you” from others. Instead of apologizing constantly for your mistakes or weaknesses, you thank others for their kindness and patience. You express gratitude to Ke Akua, recognizing his hand in your life. You do all in your power to serve, knowing that mahalo is not a list; it is an attitude.

‘Ike Loa

Seek knowledge. Seek wisdom. Strive for knowledge in its highest form, from reputable sources. Read, write, be creative, and, above all, learn! ‘Ike loa is thirsting for knowledge and discovering ways to improve. Complacency is the thief of potential.

Huikala

Forgiveness is a difficult part of life for most, if not all, people. It seems easy but can sometimes take years for some to master. In Hawaii, there is a traditional practice that can help with forgiveness, especially if the one who needs forgiveness cannot be contacted at the moment, ho’oponopono. Huikala brings relief. It brings freedom. If you cannot feel the strength to huikala, turn to Jesus Christ. Turn to the Savior. When you have unkind thoughts or feelings towards someone who wronged you, send out a ho’oponopono and change the energy. If you are in need of huikala, ask forgiveness from those you wronged. Do all you can to release the bad mana (energy) that you feel towards yourself or others.

What will you do this year?

I hope one of these words resonated with you. I am full of mahalo in thinking of how many opportunities we have to grow, change, and improve in this life. What you will work on this year? Share in the comments below!

Share the aloha!