I JOURNEYED BACK TO MYSELF — AND THERE, I FOUND THE PLANTS
I spent two weeks back home in Hawaiʻi — one week on Oʻahu with my dad, and one week on Maui with my mom. The islands always call me back… to reflect, to reconnect, to remember who I am.
I didn’t plan to take a break from social media, but I found myself feeling quiet — deep in thought, surrounded by childhood memories, while also thinking about the future and what’s to come. This trip became an unexpected pause — an introspective time of deep reflection.
Lately, time has felt strange. It seems to stand still, then speed up without warning. I’ve been watching a lifetime of memories pass by… remembering versions of myself. Who I was. Who I am now. It all feels like a collision — of moments, memories, and emotions.
I did a lot of forgiving on this trip — forgiving past versions of myself, and letting go of old narratives that no longer tell my story.
Mastering self-awareness and facing our darkest insecurities — that’s where true transformation begins. When we’re brave enough to face our fears, we’re met with truth. And in that truth… we find liberation.
I brought my 35mm camera and four rolls of film with me to Hawaiʻi. When I got my scans back, I realized almost every photo was of plants. The flowers and trees seemed to call to me.
Now, looking through the images, they feel grounding, comforting, and stabilizing. Like the earth was gently reminding me: You’re held. You’re here.
I found clarity in the stillness and a sense of strength in feeling rooted again.
Photography always brings me home, and for that — I’m endlessly grateful.
