Kimo’s Rules
For our 10th wedding anniversary, MaryBeth and I planned an elaborate trip to Hawaii. It took us longer to get there than we originally planned (we were trying to get from Atlanta to Hawaii on a Delta buddy pass — for those of you who don’t know, a buddy pass is a “non-revenue” seat, so you fly standby and anyone with a higher priority or who had purchased a ticket, got onto flights before us), but we finally got there.
While on the island, though, MaryBeth found a t-shirt with a rainbow on the front and the words, “No rain, no rainbows” on it. On the back of the shirt was the following:
Kimo’s Kauai Rules (purportedly by Charles Knief – http://www.crimepays.com/knief.htm)
- Never judge a day by the weather
- The best things in life aren’t things
- Tell the truth – there’s less to remember
- Speak softly and wear a loud shirt
- Goals are deceptive – the unaimed arrow never misses
- He who dies with the most toys – still dies
- Age is relative – when you’re over the hill you pick up speed
- There are 2 ways to be rich – make more or desire less
- Beauty is internal – looks mean nothing
- No rain – no rainbows
During these stressful times around the holidays, it’s important to remember some of these rules more than others. For example, the best things in life truly are not things. I like getting gifts as much as the next person (probably moreso than some), but when I think of that which I cherish the most, it’s not my belongings, but the love of my family and friends; the joy of laughing at a great joke; the pleasure of eating a good meal.
I often find myself thinking of these rules as I worry about finances or my health. Perhaps they will be helpful (if not simply amusing) if you find yourself stressed during this holiday season.
Merle
Can I just say, I love that whole shirt! I just wrote that same sentiment to my in-laws. Christmas isn’t about presents to me, and it isn’t what I want my children to value. But even if we don’t spend Christmas with my in-laws they want to get together latter for “something casual” to open presents. No church, no yummy meal (my MIL hates to cook and will make instant potatoes on Thanksgiving). Just presents. There are six presents for me under the tree from my sister in law alone, and she never asked me what I wanted. It’s all just “stuff”.
I love the “no rain, no rainbows”…a more succinct version of my favorite quote, “for how myght sweetness ever haf be known to hym who never tastyd bitterness” (Chaucer).