With Earnestness

“What I have found with the people who pick me up is sincerity. For they wouldn’t have stopped unless they wanted to help me.”

Sincerity—freedom from deceit, hypocrisy or duplicity; earnestness.

     This state of being—of living—is an attribute I am striving for in my life and one I am seeking being lived out by others in this world. Kindness is the basis of sincerity, but one can be kind and intend no further acting emotion. But I believe sincerity permeates much deeper within a human. It is a constant subconscious action to treat your fellow human with compassion and meaningfulness. My fellow hitchhiker struck gold when he spoke of the sincere deed of picking up complete strangers off the side of the road. "Before they see you on the shoulder of the road, their mind is already made up on whether or not they would pick you up. --It takes a sincere person."

Being an independent traveler, I must rely on the kindness of strangers. Living here on Maui has taught me this fact more than I would have learned in my controlled environment I call Tennessee. Since January, the people I have met on island have affected every trip, town and day.

My hiking partner, once a stranger, has become my friend through our time traveling and exploring this island.

The marine biologist group of hikers at our campsite freely gave us breakfast, conversation and positive vibes our first morning in the Haleakala crater.

John from California, who hiked the same strenuous Kaupo Gap descending from the crater and shared a campsite with us the second night, gave us laughs, advice, food and late night conversation.

The myriad of people who give me rides along the Maui highways.

All based on the reliance and trust of absolute strangers to be sincere in their actions. Fleeting interpersonal moments with other humans living under the same great, beautiful, blue atmosphere.

If I can give any advice to fellow travelers, live your journey with sincerity and an open mind. Self-reliance is a grand quality to possess, but the capability to trust others is also a worthy attribute.