Today was one of those days that reminds me why connection is everything.

It started early—5 AM—with a call from my best friend. We’ve been doing these Saturday morning check-ins for a while now, and it’s something I look forward to every week. There’s something comforting about knowing my friend's voice will greet me before the sun comes up.

From there, the day unfolded with one meaningful moment after another.

A childhood friend called to talk about weekend plans. Later, I had a video visit with a longtime friend—someone who, once upon a time, was family by marriage. We’ve kept in touch, and I love how easy it still is to pick up where we left off.

I spent time with another dear friend who always helps me get centered, followed by coffee with my husband—simple and grounding, like most of the things I cherish most.

Throughout the day, I found myself surrounded by conversations that mattered:

• A phone call about getting back on track and reminding each other that every choice is ours to make.

• A heart-to-heart with a friend navigating life from a memory care facility.

• A thoughtful text from someone across the globe.

• A message about a shared love of hula and culture.

Later, I watched the last basketball game of the season and enjoyed a sweet children’s play that followed. The day wrapped up with dinner at a favorite restaurant and a message from someone who was thinking about my mom.

These are the moments—the ordinary and the extraordinary—that fill my cup.

It reminded me how much I value these connections, whether they’re deep inner-circle friendships or people who drift in and out of my orbit. They all matter.

Living Real Aloha, to me, is about showing up fully, wherever I am, and being present for both myself and the people I love.

Today reminded me—I’m surrounded by community, and I’m grateful for every part of it.