He aha te mea nui o te ao?

He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!

What is the most important thing in the world?

It is people! It is people! It is people!

Whakatauki (Maori proverbs), like this one, are sayings that reflect thoughts, values and advice of past generations.

I had the opportunity to stay overnight on a Maori marae (communal or sacred place) in Rotorua and spent some time with the beautiful people there. It was a night of listening, learning and experiencing. Out of respect, we were asked not to share photos of the inside of the building socially, but I can tell you that it was beautiful and steeped in history, sacredness, myth and community. We spoke into the early hours of the morning about the Maori way of life, community and legends. It was one of my magical experiences in New Zealand.

Take a moment today to be grateful to the special people that are important to you in your life. New and old friends, those passed on and those yet to come. And especially those that bring us our lessons.

I did!

Breathe. Feel. And be grateful.

Gratitude to each and every one of you for sharing my journey with me.

Carpe diem! Take your moment now.

simply sharing, Delicia