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Journey
Paradigm Shift: Bay Area Gentrification
The rapid rise of technology in the San Francisco Bay Area has caused significant changes in the communities, posing a daunting challenge for our long-time residents to adapt. With real estate prices soaring, many have been forced to uproot their lives and move. The plight of homeowners, who have invested years of their lives in their homes, is particularly heart-wrenching. They yearn to refinance and tap into their home equity without the burden of higher mortgage payments. However, they find themselves trapped, unable to access their home equity, and often compelled to sell their homes to high-earning tech workers.
With its immense power and influence, the tech industry has a significant role in addressing community issues. However, there has been a shift from a collaborative to a more competitive environment. This shift, while understandable, can be detrimental when dealing with complex issues like gentrification. To address these issues effectively, refocusing on working together and innovating is crucial. A competitive mindset might lead to individual success, but it often ignores the broader impact on society. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we can combine our resources and expertise to create meaningful solutions that can positively affect those most impacted by gentrification. The goal is to succeed individually while bringing real change to our shared global community.
TOXIC Wasteland: Leaving the San Francisco Bay Area
I realized it was time to leave. I felt detached and stressed out from working and living like this. I realized that I had become entangled in the perpetual bombardment of company politics, manipulative competition between coworkers, and quickly meeting deadlines. I was burning out. If I didn't take action soon, it could seriously impact my mental well-being. I felt like a ticking time bomb ready to go off, at risk of being consumed by this toxic lifestyle. That was when I decided to depart from the Bay Area and pursue my passion for the arts and literature.
I discovered a new home in the lively Honolulu Arts District with a solid determination to uncover the true essence of living. It dawned on me that finding my Aloha—the Hawaiian way of life centered on love, peace, and compassion—was the way to go. Understanding the potential consequences of suddenly leaving, I was prepared to let karma take its course.
Searching for Aloha
The feeling of being lost and disconnected from oneself can be overwhelming. Have you ever felt this way? Sometimes, we try to fit in by pretending to be someone we're not. However, we may eventually realize we're on the wrong path. This realization can be an awakening experience. I can relate to this feeling because I once lived a life that seemed perfect but ended up being a nightmare. I lost everything and had to start over, only to be in the same situation again. This left me with feelings of despair. However, I knew I couldn't continue on that path or risk losing my sanity. So, I made the choice to find a different way forward.
It's essential to have a sense of belonging and connect with like-minded people with similar beliefs and values. For those in the artistic community, finding a tribe of fellow artists can be especially beneficial. Exploring and discovering the true meaning of Aloha can provide valuable insights into maintaining mental well-being and can be a helpful journey to embark on.
Coming to Hawai'i to be KAMA'AINA
I came to Hawaii to live and learn Aloha and found a culture in despair. Teaching love to those who have forsaken them as a sovereign, independent nation. The spirit of the people could not be broken. The spiritual energy of Aloha is too powerful to overcome, and I have come to love and respect the Native Hawaiian culture for all they have shared with the world.
"As a veteran, I feel both a deep love for my country and a sense of responsibility to acknowledge the injustices faced by the Hawaiian people. The Hawaiian culture has taught me the true meaning of Aloha, showing how to live with love and respect every day. I am committed to becoming a true Kama'aina, embracing and honoring the land and its people with the spirit of Aloha."
The Sting of Imperialism
Imagine these new strange people came to your house for a visit and never left, then helped themselves to everything your home has to offer. You're in a thriving culture, and you welcomed them into your community. You share your hospitality, and your curiosity rises as they bring fine gifts from lands you have never heard of. You're overwhelmed and want to learn more.
But there's a hidden agenda. The real motive is to teach their ways and convert your way of life into theirs. As time passes, you hear their stories and adopt their culture and religion. Now you're easily manipulated into their authority of what is right and wrong. They try to suppress your language, rituals, and way of life.
Then you try to live like them and learn the world’s ways. You adapt to their politics, understanding that you're in a country of your own; it was even recognized and declared to the rest of the world. All of a sudden, things changed in the name of progress. Your reigning monarchy is under arrest, and your people are in disarray. You try to fight back to no avail against a superior military force. In despair, you relinquish your authority.
You have experienced the harsh reality of imperialism, and future generations will continue to live under its shadow. Survival means adhering to their rules and laws. This was the world of the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawai'ians) when I arrived and immersed myself into the culture to become a Kama'aina (People of the land).
Yet, there is a powerful mystic force that can overcome this oppression: the Spirit of Aloha. It is a weapon that will endure and ultimately prevail.
Bohemian
"A Bohemian is an unconventional and free-spirited individual who values creativity, artistry, and a nontraditional lifestyle. They do not conform to society's expectations. They prioritize self-expression, artistic pursuits, and individualism over conformity to mainstream expectations."
Bohemians fearlessly challenge the status quo and embrace their unconventional way of living. They cherish the freedom to express themselves without feeling pressured to follow society's rules. They're always looking for new ideas that resonate with their values.
Your Legacy
The following question can be considered: How do people want to be remembered when they die? Are they satisfied simply saying, "I existed, I observed, that's all, farewell-goodbye"? As a form of inspiration, I aspire to be recognized enough to have a Wikipedia page that showcases my achievements and contributions to society. (Smile)
"Success in the arts requires freeing yourself from stress and negativity, allowing creativity to flow without fear of criticism. Express yourself freely without contamination of external influences, unleash your imagination without fear of judgment, and create without apologizing." In short, say and do whatever the Fuck you want, whenever you want, without holding back.
The Lonely Road of Owning Yourself
Owning oneself is not just a privilege, it's a liberation that goes beyond material possession. It's the truest form of freedom, a liberation from the shackles of social norms, allowing us to live by our values. It's a transformative journey to discover our inner strength and resilience.
Take a bold stance, question the status quo, and embrace uniqueness. Conquer the tallest peak, reach its summit, and cast off the world's weight. Leave your concerns behind and, as you look out at the horizon, soak in the calm balance of the universe enveloping you, bringing a sense of peace and serenity.