The Realization of One Ocean, One People: My 2023 Turning Point

This year was by far twice as tougher than the last, and 2022 was a difficult year of setting up the groundwork of what this year was. 2023 was the year I truly put myself out there, showed face of who I truly am and what I love from the depths of my heart: culture, travel, and to learn from directly from the source..the people.

photo with woman from kosrae micronesia with pacific sail

2023 Was the Year I Truly Put Myself Out There

2023 was not a year I spent fiddling around with Instagram and Tiktok trends and hours on end studying what was hot. No. 2023 was spent grinding out every second of my time and every effort in my days, even if it often wrecked my well being. Even got nailed by covid for the first time for it. I would change a damn thing.

This Year Was Built on Connection, Effort, and Learning

This years intention was to put myself out there and to establish well needed connections to traverse cultural planes needed to learn. Much of of through kanaka maoli, but also in places I intend on visiting in 2024. Tokelau, Samoa, Kiribati, and most especially Micronesia.

Hawai’i mountains O’ahu with highway haiku valley

I spent hours studying who to connect with, what questions I want to ask them, and formulating plans on how to navigate the beautiful complexities of their stories. I’ve been ghosted, left hanging, canceled last minute on many occasions, but I never stopped trying. Not just because of what I want, but realizing the value of the legacy it would bring to those in need.

From Storyteller to Story Weaver

2023 was the year I set down the long journey of a STORYTELLER, and became a story weaver, provided by dear friend Josie Howard. Helping to north the appropriate title of this entire cultural Pacific voyage:

One Ocean, One People 🌊

What Hawaiʻi Equipped Me to Carry Forward

While this voyage in 2023 of course is ongoing and because as a creator, it will “never seem like it’s enough”. But truth be told, I did it! I succeeded in that initial intention when the clock turned 12:00 into 2023. To really put myself out there setting the path for what the next year is built for.

This could have never been done without the many along this journey, that entrusted their time with me, passing me onto resources, or simply providing time and resources when I needed it. A kakou effort!

photo with native hawaiian from niihau on kauai

Why 2023 Played A Major Role For the Voyage Ahead

I left Hawai’i knowing I’d be ready for what Kanaka Maoli equipped me to voyage onward. And as much as it hurt to leave, Hawai’i still remains with me. And that’s a power I now carry on to those I meet as this voyage continues!

Cheers to a challenging, but incredible 2023

Happy 2024 Voyagers 🙂

Want to Support Me?

If you would like to help fund my ongoing work as a creator and immersive cultural documentation in the Pacific Islands?

Please consider checking out my GoFundMe.

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This work is dedicated to documenting and sharing Pacific Island cultures and stories. All support helps fund fieldwork, travel to remote islands, and the production of educational storytelling across Oceania.