I’m writing this column while enjoying a gift for my 83rd birthday – a trip to Hawaii, where Dan and I lived for three years, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

The day here in Maui is perfect. Warm, about 27 Celsius, 80ish Fahrenheit but not humid, so one can walk without having to dry out one’s clothes afterwards. The sky is bright blue with scant clouds drifting by. From my friend’s home, there is a view of the sea, covered in sun dollars and of the neighbour island of Lanai where Dan and I lived for several years.

We returned three years ago to Aitutaki on a volunteer contract with Solutions Cook Islands, as mental health and wellbeing specialists. We love being of service to our community in this way, and are working with individuals of all ages, children, families and groups such as the mamas and papas Fridays at Internal Affairs, Virtues Clubs for primary and college students, healing circles, giving workshops, and many other activities.

Even in a fulfilling and meaningful job, we all need to take a breather to rest and restore from time to time. I now understand why locals say they need to get off the island altogether to take a real holiday. For Aitutakians, not even Rarotonga is far enough, or perhaps different enough to provide that sense of being in an entirely different world, in which they have no obligations, one of easy access to a wide range of foods, shopping, movies, family and friends, one hasn’t seen for a while, and new vistas and adventures.

The house where I’m staying is surrounded by the scent of jasmine and plumeria (tiara maori), and the bright pink of bougainvillea and deep red hibiscus – a comforting reminder of home.

All my senses are happy. My taste buds are doing the hula with joy, at the incredible variety of food, especially real New York style pizza, pad thai, Mexican burritos, huge shrimp tempura, American burgers, blueberries, local strawberries, and macadamia nuts added to all kinds of dishes. My local friends in Aitutaki and Rarotonga rave about KFC and often bring some home from New Zealand or Australia. I’ve probably gained a few kilos in these two weeks, but I don’t care. I have a constant grin on my face.
The other sense that is overjoyed is hearing. My friend and I have the same taste in music, from jazz to Broadway classics and she plays them in her car at high volume. A little bit of heaven to me.

I’ve had an epiphany here. It feels as though returning to what is familiar to me, from food to music, has made me realise I have been homesick for myself. While I love and appreciate the beauty and above all the people, the humour, the privilege of being of service, the freedom all year to swim in our turquoise lagoon, I have disconnected too much from my personal style.

I return rested, well-nourished body and soul, have had long talks with members of my Hawaiian tribe, and I need to flavour life in Paradise with what gives me comfort and joy. Today I’m going to purchase a set of headphones that work on my phone so I can play Diana Krall and Herbie Hancock at full volume while I walk or rest or clean the house.

I’m excited to be coming home reminded of the simple pleasures that give me joy and am more committed to creating balance of work and play.

Our Creator wants us to live life abundantly. What does that look like for you?