Maui Video: Living in the Moment

I’ve been in a contemplative mood lately — thinking about life, death and loved ones. We have been forced to face a tough decision — something that makes me feel like I’m playing god, in a way.

Our 16-year-old fur child is sick and we have decided to spare her the meds, shots and doctor visits. I’ve had her since she was a kitten and she has been with me through countless ups and downs in my life since I moved away from home at the age of 17. Imagining my life without her makes me incredibly sad, but it breaks my heart even more to know that I am the one making that decision for her.

Death doesn’t scare me as much as making a life or death decision for a living creature, but I have to remember that it’s not about me. I don’t think animals fear death like humans do and I have to believe that I’m helping her find peace, in a place where she will no longer be in pain.

What does this have to do with a video about Maui, you ask? Well, it’s with this in mind that I edited our Maui footage. I’m not only reminded of happier times, but the message was clear as I watched each of these clips — life is beautiful, it’s fleeting and we shouldn’t take it for granted.

Maui Video: Living in the Moment

The thing about adventure sports (and one of the reasons I’m so drawn to surfing) is because these activities teach me to stay present and in the moment. It’s something I try to carry over into my everyday life, but it’s not always easy.

The footage we took wasn’t exceptional and we had little intention of creating a movie from it, but I’m happy with the message — which is what I hope people will take away from it.
 

Our trip to Maui was hosted by the Maui Visitors Bureau, but as always, our opinions are our own. Other partners mentioned in this video include Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, Proflyght Paragliding, Kapalua Adventures and Snuba.