I walked alone this morning — led by my naʻau, immersed in thought, wrapped in contemplation of all that’s going on around us.

The 1984/Orwellian lyrics of Pink Floyd’s, “Another Brick In The Wall” had been repeating in my mind over and over again during the night – so, as the sun remained hidden beneath the horizon to the east, I went on my phone and while walking…listened to the full 9 minutes and 8 seconds of the mesmerizing, depressing and repetitious message “All in all, you’re just another brick in the wall…”.

Unable and unwilling to accept the negativity of it all, I scrambled to find that anthem of rebellion that changed the lives of many in my generation – Bob Dylan’s – “Come senators, congressmen…Please heed the call…Don’t stand in the doorway…Don’t block up the hall…For he that gets hurt…Will be he who has stalled…The battle outside ragin’…Will soon shake your windows And rattle your walls…For the times they are a-changin’

I felt better immediately, picked up my pace, and glanced east to see the sun blazing above the water, the faint silhouette of Oahu in the distance.

Amazingly, as is the nature of YouTube music videos, whether driven by AI, my own predictable algorithms, or perhaps the good Lord stepping in to help – the next song to automatically queue up was Brother Iz – “And I think to myself…What a wonderful world…”.

By this time my stride was strong and determined.

I turned and looked towards Mt. Waialeale, bathed in the morning sunlight, the tiniest of waterfalls glistening ever so slightly.

My thoughts turned to family and friends, to children and grandchildren, and to my extended ohana residing through-out the islands, across the continent, to the shores of Africa and beyond.

I thought about those folks, young and old. I thought about all the work still yet to be done, about the uncertainty of our collective future, and about what my role will, should or can be.

I realized then that each of us is most likely having a similar conversation.

Each of us continuously seeks out that path, the one that maximizes our talents, fulfills our needs, and does the greatest good.

While strolling through the thoughts and solitude, a fourth and closing song came to mind.

I paused beneath a plumeria tree, took out my phone, and searched one more time for brother Bob Dylan…and then strolled the rest of the way back to my car listening to one of my all time favorites – Forever Young.

Dylan wrote this for his children and I include it here today for my family and friends, young and old, wherever you might live, whatever role you might play, and whatever path might be before you.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young

It goes without saying that I returned home from my morning walk strong, healthy, and invigorated – in mind, body, and spirit.

I encourage you to try it.

Go outside, take a walk if you can. Listen to Brother Iz and Brother Bob.

Trust me. You’ll feel better.

Gary