As I prepare and share every blog post, I think back to the reason why I started this blog. While my initial blog post outlining my reasons for starting this blog are still valid, I feel myself evolving, wanting to turn up the volume, and continue to refine my purpose.
Over time, I realized that my former self would fall into the in-between space of not really making a decision of yes or no, red or blue, in hopes of not ruffling any feathers. While I still see the value and hope to bring people together, I also have come to learn the importance of definitively being clear about where I stand. Make that choice. Make a decision. Indecision can further perpetuate injustices. And if I make a decision, but later come to learn new information that sways me another way, that’s ok too.
Simultaneously, I have been reading some of the greats: Pualani Kanahele, Brene Brown, Rachel Hollis, Mary Kawena Pukuʻi, to name a few. While there have been many lessons and guidance brought forth in the process of reflecting on these readings, one main point that has hit home in a different way recently is the importance of writing for myself.
So going back to one of the main reasons why I started this blog, I remember becoming a new mom and looking, reaching, wanting that connection with other Hawaiian moms. I wanted to find the blueprint, the answers, or at least some clues as to how to (or even how not to) be a Hawaiian mom. As you can guess, my search came up empty-handed and thus, this blog was born. I certainly don’t think that I have all of the answers, but I do hope that this blog creates space for us to have these discussions. I also know that our stories are worth sharing.
So in short, here is an updated manifesto of sorts of what I aim to achieve with this blog:
A space where Hawaiian moms can discuss all things specific to being a Hawaiian mom in today’s context while upholding, practicing, and living our cultural traditions. A space where we can speak up, speak our minds, and listen. A space for co-learning and sharing.