You know it when you see it. You've heard it, experienced it. It moves you, drives you, takes you from a place of existing to a place of truly living. It propels us to heights we never knew existed, gives us purpose beyond our wildest dreams. We sometimes dismiss it, but can't live without it... Passion.
When I think of passion, there are a few people that immediately come to mind. Each of them live out their lives in a way that is wholly unique, beautiful and inspiring. I am so happy to introduce you to these incredible ladies.
Kelia "Sister" Moniz is probably one of the most beautiful, down-to-earth, talented 18-year olds you will ever meet. She exudes a confident grace beyond her years. You just have to do a quick Google search to find that she has made quite a name for herself. There is no question that her natural beauty, raw talent and amazing style lands her on the cover of magazines, ad campaigns and store windows. But it's not just her pretty face or surfing success that makes her star shine bright, it's her incredible love for life, for her family and for all those around her. I am so glad that my little girls have Sister to look up to - truly a young woman that exemplifies passion, both in and out of the water. Keep your eye on this one - she has an amazing life ahead of her.
My dear friend Vanessa is one of the sweetest souls I know. She is a rare find - genuinely loving, compassionate and kind, but equally intelligent and creative. She is the artistic force behind Little Dew Drops, an organic children's clothing line. Vanessa creates all her own designs and hand-cuts them into stencils. Her designs reflect her passion for children, the environment and her faith. What started as an idea has flourished into an amazing clothing line that can be found on-line and in retail stores across Hawaii. Not only has she grown a business, but she did it while raising three incredible children. Visit her store and see for yourself what happens when passion picks up a paintbrush.
Ten years ago, I met Marion Reyes-Burke. Radiant and smart, with a contagious laugh you could hear from across the room, Marion became one of the top students of our law school class. I loved her energy, her ability to smile through the most grueling lecture, and her style - always dressed like she had somewhere to go, she carried herself with confidence and grace. I wasn't surprised when she became an associate attorney at one of the top law firms in Honolulu. I must say though, I was a little surprised when she completely reinvented herself and became a triathlete. As though being a wife, mother and high powered attorney isn't enough, the woman who learned to swim shortly before starting law school and never ran seriously decided it would be "fun" to start training for triathlons. The rest is history.
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| Coming out of a 400 m swim at her first triathlon in May 2008 |
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| April 2009 - First race back after a bike crash resulted in an injury to her left arm that required surgery and rehab. |
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| June 2010 - Marion's first half-Ironman. Sprinting to the finish line to beat 7 hours. The look on her face says it all. |
These women are among many others in my life that continually inspire me. They turn ordinary surfboards, paintbrushes, and bicycles into something beautiful. That's the power of passion.
Who inspires you?
Kim
