Rainbows & Notes to Self
Today is Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole 61st birthday! He is best known for touching the world with his beloved RENDITION of “Over the Rainbow.”
I’ve been spending the day listening to his songs, meditating, and looking deeper into his life. Israel lived a short wonderful life and died at the age of 38 of respiratory problems and obesity. He was 700 lbs. Throughout his life’s journey it wasn’t all rainbows and there were many struggles along the way. But could hear in his voice and see in his gentle eyes that he lived happily and humbly. Listening to his music takes you into a happy and peaceful state of mind.
Besides reflecting back to my time in Hawaii, my IZ binge day reminds me of the CBS This Morning “Note to Self” series. These letters are written from famous and life-changing people who each write to their younger selves. Listening to these icon’s stories is very humbling and watching the short videos makes me feel like they are writing me a letter of encouragement and optimism. Here are some of my favorites:
“You will fit into the standards of other because at this time you want to belong”
“You are resilient even though you hurt inside”
“Finally…. Exhale”
-Padma Lakshmi
“Hey Grant… You’re a cook!”
“You will be told and feel like you don’t have what it takes…. and right now you’re not! But you will”
“Don’t forget your sense of wonder”
“To achieve what you want you can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and that are talented”
-Grant Achatz
Letter To Myself
I am still writing my own letter, but that one will be just for me. But I am writing it to my 18 year old self and here are some of the things I tell myself…
“Be kind to yourself”
“Stay happy”
“You will see Hawaiian Rainbows”
-Jenny Carlys Melendez
2006 Senior Year
“You will go to Princeton. But you’re still not sure that you are good enough…. You are only seeing what you lack”
“When your father passes you are not going to go through life alone… You will open your heart to someone who’s upbringing is nothing and everything like yours”
“With a good education and hard work, anything is possible”
-Michelle Obama
“You’re a late bloomer Jane so it won’t happen quickly, but your ability to be honest with yourself, your desire to make sense of it all and learn from your mistakes will permit you to blossom”
“Don’t shut down and become cynical”
-Jane Fonda
2006 Senior Year
2008 Hawaii