Skip to main content
Love is Calling by Kelley Grimes at Cultivating Peace and Joy

“Love calls – everywhere and always… Are you coming?”

~Rumi

 

I adore this quote from Rumi! It reminds me of the abundance of possibilities available to us in every moment. I have been reflecting on a multitude of possibilities since returning from our amazing and deeply rejuvenating family vacation to Maui in December. I often return from a trip inspired to invite more adventure into my daily schedule, but then stop prioritizing fun when work responsibilities intensify.

 

But something feels different this time. Maybe because of the powerful way being in Maui fed my mind, body, and spirit. Maybe because this vacation was a dream come true to finally take our daughters to Hawaii after years of requests. Or maybe because we made the most of our time there, embracing adventure and magic each and every day.

 

Without a formal schedule, we woke early to watch the sun rise and then explored the island. We swam in the ocean, snorkeled, and joyfully watched whales and sea turtles. We committed to the windy drive to Hana and were blessed with the most remarkable views, waterfalls, and remote beaches. We celebrated every rainbow we saw and wrote haikus to memorialize our experiences. We witnessed beautiful sunsets walking on the beach, one of our favorite self-nurturing practices as a family and marveled at the full moon. And of course, we played many games and laughed hysterically together!

 

We truly soaked up as much of the magnificent beauty as we could. Love seemed to be calling us everywhere through the beauty that was almost too much to take in. I am a deep believer in the healing power of beauty and the awe and wonder invoked in the process. Our ability to be grateful expanded exponentially on this trip and flowed out of us continually. I was profoundly touched by my daughters’ gratitude and deep appreciation of each and every experience. This new level of gratitude is fueling my commitment to follow love everywhere it calls me.

 

I want to share one of my favorite ways to express joy – writing haikus. Here are a few haikus written by my family from our trip:

 

Landed in Maui

A family vacation

Hawaiian haiku

 

Sunrise mountain top

Majestic view of Maui

Haleakala

 

Rainbows warriors

Having the time of our lives

Extraordinary

 

Sitting on the beach

Sea Turtle meditation

Dancing in the waves

 

Majestic sunset

Grateful for being alive

Witnessing beauty

 

Maui for the week

An amazing vacation

So blessed and grateful

 

Since returning home, my husband and I have continued to wake early to watch the sunrise, taken more opportunities to walk at the beach, and intentionally included more adventure in our weekends. We continue to feel the joy of aloha and the power of embracing the beauty all around us and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What is love calling you to do?

 

If you gave yourself permission to follow love’s call, how would your life be different?

 

What would your haiku express about the joy in your life?

 

May you answer love’s call again and again as you nurture peace in the world from the inside out!

Kelley Grimes

Sending you so much peace, love and gratitude,

Kelley Grimes, M.S.W.
Counselor, Author & Speaker

Sign up to receive daily reminders with our mobile app!

Join the discussion 13 Comments

  • Leila says:

    Beautiful!
    I love this beautiful reminder.
    Thank you Kelley.

  • Hello Kelley. One of the things I’ve learned recently is how easily it is to live this way while taking a break and how quickly I can forget when hectic days resume. So, I’ve been devoting a ‘break’ time daily to remind myself to listen even during hectic times. Staying open to inner peace is life shifting. Many blessings, Deb

  • CK Kochis says:

    Beautiful post, Kelley. This reminds me of my trip to Maui twenty years ago. There truly is something magical that occurs on that island. You asked, “What is love calling you to do?” I’m doing it. I’m on a soul’s journey and experiencing grand revelations. Thanks for walking me down memory lane.

  • Rachel says:

    You had me at that photo and your words really resonated with me. I too am committed to bring the power of the ocean’s healing into my life, during the winter it is bath salts and listening to wave recording but always the message of the ocean to take time to connect and to answer love’s call.

  • With all that’s been going on in the world, Love has been calling me to stop and take in the ordinary beauty and splendor that is all around us every day, and to let it recharge me to face whatever is ahead for all of us.

  • Heather says:

    I love following love’s call everyday. It’s the magical inspiration inside. It’s a call to the world. My calling is to assist this world and everyone in it in every way possible. I do this with sincere appreciation for my gifts. I am here for a reason and that brings me much joy. Everything in this world that is beautiful brings me much joy, it always has, and for that I am ever thankful. I’m glad you had such a joyful wondrous time!

    • I love your comment and the enthusiasm and joy that springs out of your words. Thank you so much Heather for sharing your love’s calling and gratitude for this beautiful life and world!

Leave a Reply