Chances are, you know someone whose life is challenged by difficult circumstances. David's granddaughter Kira is allergic to peanuts, eggs, and dairy, causing a great deal of anxiety. Last year, with Grandma Lee's help and encouragement, she began baking from an allergy-friendly cookbook. Kira now bakes weekly; our favorites include her delicious cinnamon muffins and a beautifully frosted, double-tiered chocolate cake that she made for her mom's birthday. She still has to check food labels carefully, but she's no longer just a kid held back by allergies. She is a baker, exploring exciting new recipes, and has come to embrace this new and liberating identity.
How can we shift from feeling burdened by extra weight, to identifying as a healthy person? How can we move from an identity of a savvy shopper, to that of a prudent saver? During this month of transition from spring into summer, when even kama'aina here in Hawaii can feel the shift to warmer temperatures, we reflect on how modifying our thoughts and habits can allow new identities to emerge.
If you'd like to identify as someone who plans ahead: May is a great time to prepare your home for summer storms. As locals here know, hurricane season is from June through November, and it doesn't take long to prepare a 14-day emergency kit. Trim any tree branches that are at risk of falling onto your property, clean out gutters, attach hurricane clips, and inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. These kinds of preemptive tasks can sometimes avoid thousands of dollars in storm damage and help you avoid the worst.
If you'd like to identify as a smart saver: In light of rising temperatures, you can take advantage of energy savings, no matter where you live. This article highlights some quick tips to save money on your electric bills.
If you'd like to identify as an adventurous person: consider a summer trip in the great outdoors. We grew up beach camping at Malaekahana and Mokule'ia, but here are some beautiful camping sites around the country. Alternatively, there are glamorous camping ("glamping" ) options if sleeping on the ground isn't your cup of tea.
We are thrilled to announce that our office is now open for in-person (and masked) meetings, while Zoom will always remain an option as well. Waterfront Plaza has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures; please continue to follow all posted signage, state and CDC guidelines. We also have a fabulous new intern, Joann Tagaca, who will be graduating this month from the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Please inquire about Takagi & Takagi's internship opportunities with Taea or Megan. With an extra dose of sunshine, we hope the last month of spring brings healthy new identities, along with many moments to relax and enjoy time with those you love.
Happy May Day!