We are leaving paradise in two weeks. When I tell people that we are moving from Hawaii to New Hampshire at the end of February, they say, “Are you sure you want to do that?”

Yes. I’m sure.

I’ve learned a lot about myself from our time in Hawaii. Six months ago, we stepped off a plane and out of our lives. During our time here, we have (re)discovered ourselves—for that, I am extremely grateful. I also appreciate the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place filled with so much adventure. But the most important thing I have learned from my time in paradise is that it’s the little things that bring the most joy. After living here for a while, the beauty dims. It becomes harder to see because it’s around you all the time.

I realize that must sound pretty lame to all you mainlanders.

Anyway, the point is that it’s not living in paradise that matters. What matters is drinking out of a coconut for the first time or falling asleep on the beach or feeling completely physically exhausted after a long hike and napping on your partner’s shoulder. It’s listening to the sound of pouring rain. It’s floating on ocean waves.

Facebook doesn’t matter. Email doesn’t matter. My stuff definitely doesn’t matter (the funny thing is, the more stuff I get rid of, the less attached I am to the things that I still own).

And realizing this has opened up space for more of the little things that make all the difference.

So, I will relish in this beautiful place for two more weeks. And then I will trade balmy sunsets for winter nights by the fire. I will trade my sandals and sundresses for boots and sweaters and hats and coats and mittens and…

I will trade one beautiful place for another.