~ Beautiful Life ~

"Those who have eyes to see
see a beautiful life."
~ Lisa May : )

A few years back, my hubby and I had the opportunity to go to a tiny island called Tavarua (off of Fiji) with a group of other people, for a "surfing trip."  The wives were invited to come along, which I thought was very kind to invite us - since it was a guy surfing trip!  : )  Each day, we watched as our men paddled fearlessly out into the world of "epic" waves, surfing world-known breaks such as "Restaurants" and "Cloud Break" ... catching wave after wave - anticipating the perfect "ride."  And as they did, us women enjoyed this little island - relaxing, napping, swimming, sun bathing, reading ... eating!

The island of Tavarua is very small.  It consist's of a main eating area, pool and spa, an office (with one computer that is limited to internet service) a very small boutique, cozy little bungalow's, and a volleyball court.  On the island is a tiny, tiny village for the "locals" of this 29 acres-in-area island.  The life lived here is quite simple.  They pretty much live off the land.  There is no traffic, (except in the line-up out on the waves of anxious surfers) - no television blaring 24-7, no malls, definitely vacant of rows of restaurants, no salons, the day's news is the "catch of the day" (both fishing and surfing), and the transportation provided to go "island hopping" is a little wooden trolling boat. Very simple indeed ... you get the idea.

The one thing that impressed me entirely, was the attitude of the people there.  Every morning, our alarm clock was to that of laughter outside our bungalow window, as these people constantly laughed - sporting smiles bigger than anything I had ever seen before.  They were always upbeat no matter what they were doing - even if it was sweeping the walkways of debris, or washing the dishes, or preparing meals.  Their smiles would become even bigger upon seeing us, as they happily shouted with a laughing voice "Bula-Bula" (hello) with arms stretched out as they always had a hug - and I mean a hug!!  Bear hug is more like it...and continued to offer one each time we would pass by them.  Singing together was something else they constantly did - and again with whatever they were doing.  Each night, they would entertain us with their culture of singing and dancing ... which was endlessly accompanied with smiling and laughing as well. 

I often pondered that week while we were there, how happy these people were - and "how" they could be so happy with so little - well, in the sense that I had become accustomed to. 

They lived life.  They saw a beautiful life before them every day. 
I sometimes justified their joyous behavior to living on this paradisiacal island ... but then realized that no, even living in paradise can wear off and get old just like anywhere else. 
It was their spirit.  Their unity with each other.  Their expression of Love.  Their attitude.  Their choice of "seeing" life, and making it a beautiful one indeed.

Just look around you.  No matter where you are, no matter what is happening in your own world - life IS beautiful.  Not only in the scenery of every little miracle of the seasons every single day - but beautiful in the sense of existing.  In the sense of being unified with family, friends, kind people, the smile of a stranger...your connection with God.  In the sense of opportunities, our

God-given talents, music, photography, food, emotions, laughter, dancing, singing ...
The list is infinite.  And even in tough times - life remains beautiful.  This is where the "eyes" must "see" a little deeper.

I absolutely LOVE this video.  It lifts my spirits every single time I hear and watch it, even when I am down it magically helps me see again.  It is truly a wonderful reminder that yes -

"It is a beautiful life - a beautiful world ... and it's a beautiful time to be here."

Here's to "seeing" your beautiful life today.  And if you don't ... you're not really looking, because it is all around you. 

Enjoy this day.  And live your beautiful life.

♥

p.s....By the way - Tavarua island is in the shape of a heart.  Hmmmm ... I wonder if that's why the people are so loving??!!  : )