A Week Out West In Paradise — Maui, Hawaii, And Why We Need More Of Them
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and women and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” — Anonymous Traveler
Why do we really travel? Is it to see new things? Is it for destination pleasure? Is it to release a massive rush of dopamine? Is it for the overall experience? Is it to spend our hard-earned money? Or, is there a deeper meaning to it all?
I’d be foolish if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that 1) this was the first vacation I’ve had to myself in over 2 years that didn’t involve business meetings or any mention of business, 2) was the first vacation I’ve ever experienced on the west coast and 3) was the first time I’ve traveled anywhere in the United States that was by myself (that is, on airplanes).
To begin, this trip was definitely to see and experience new destinations. The first few being Chicago and Los Angeles. Even if Chicago was only a quick layover, IPA, and lunch it was still great. Much more to see though later on in life! Los Angeles was fun as it’s great to have friends from college who are now living, working or going through more school at UCLA, San Diego State, etc. It’s reassuring to know if you ever need a place to stay in any city or part of the world you have friends right there at the moment of a call or text message. Again, many more places to visit in California in the near future when there’s more time scheduled.
Secondly, the island of Maui and state of Hawaii was my next stop. This was where I stayed for the duration of my trip and there was something magical about the island. I don’t really know how to describe this is sentence form so I’ll use five words to do my best: 1) fun, 2) thrilling, 3) at ease, 4) peaceful and 5) beautiful. I’ll let a few photographs sum it up as well!
The thrill of the destination and adventure was certainly in the air. The injection and release of dopamine was evident if you couldn’t tell from the stunning photos.
Overall, the entire experience, driving on cliffs and tight turns, watching multiple sunsets, driving the road to Hana, swimming in the most beautiful oceans I’ve ever seen, snorkeling to see fish and coral, eating succulent foods, drinking Hawaiian beverages and awesome stories we made were worth the time and investment. I don’t say any of this to impress you, only to impress upon you all what kind of experiences and stories are out there for you to experience.
I believe this really was the icing on top of the cake for me. I’m sold on the whole traveling for work, business, pleasure, leisure and fun all wrapped up together. You should be too because it’s not something you’ll get to experience being behind a desk, banging the phones all day, typing away at a computer or sitting in on a board meeting all day. Humans were made to roam, travel, explore new lands and see breathtaking sights in the world. It’s sad that societies constraints keep too many of us locked up from time to time. You have to learn how to break free!
With all of those photos to indulge in, you should get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. You must find a way to create financial leverage in your life, because if you don’t then you will always be leveraged by someone else’s time and resources.
For myself I found those relationships and leverage through financial services and owning my own business for almost 2 years now. You must own something with your first and last name attached to it but work for your last name and the legacy behind it. I saw it with famous alumnus who graduated from Washington & Jefferson College. Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, is in charge of a massive billion dollar empire with professional football. The other family being the Rooney’s, own the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. They’re incredibly successful business owners as well as investors. Do you get the picture?
As we wrap up this weeks blog, it’s critical to remember and be grateful for what you have. We have so many opportunities to take advantage of in life and the presents it gives us are rewarding if we’re open to receiving them. Whether they’re loving friends, convenient domestic flights, in-service Wi-Fi to check emails and business accounts, or even a strangers conversation and compliment, all of these moments add up.
Continue to work hard for what you don’t have yet. There’s still a lot you want to do in your young life, I can certainly relate. However, the only way that’s going to happen is if you stop complaining, stop wishing, start dreaming again, and start working hard towards a greater purpose.
Safe travels my friends and have a wonderful day. Please remember to share, follow, like and comment if you enjoyed this weeks followup to me being gone the first week of September due to vacation. Your support goes a long way!
My Very Best,
Donovan Vogel
