The Bula Spirit

Today is Fiji Day. It is the day that my people celebrate their independence from the monarchy. It is a day widely celebrated with dancing, ceremonies, speeches, and general fanfare. During my travels, I kept meeting people who have been to Fiji and the first thing they all told me is, “The people of Fiji are the best. They are the kindest and happiest humans on earth”. It is true. I’ve heard this from strangers all my life. It is an amazing testament to the islands I am from. I carry that same energy with me. It is what we call “bula spirit”. Bula is how we say hello to people, and you will hear it everywhere you go in Fiji. This bula spirit is the loving nature that Fiji Islanders imprint on others. It is a beautiful thing.

Fiji is a third world country. I grew up without hot water, no washing machine, no dryer, no first world country amenities. I used a lot of pit latrines growing up. Sleeping on a mat on the floor was normal. Eating bread and tea was a staple diet, that I still love as a meal. And I came from one of the more privileged families. To this day, when I have a hot water shower, I always think about how grateful I am. Whenever I can just throw my clothes in to be washed and dried, I think the same. Fiji has come a long way in some ways, not in others. But the fact remains that the Fijian people and their culture is one of love. The beauty of coming from very little, wanting for nothing and still being a country known for purely happy humans. How amazing is that?!

This is a reminder that joy and happiness come from within. It is choosing to live your life with kindness. It is a genuine smile and a big hug when you greet people. It is speaking positivity into the world. It is focusing on what you can give and not what you can get. It is sharing a laugh. It is asking someone how their day is and really wanting to dive into the answer. It is being thoughtful and living with good intentions. It is forgiveness. It is being the peace in someone’s life. It is living with serious integrity. 

It is not what your bank account is or the square footage of your home or what your job title is or where you went to college. The positive memories you imprint on others are based on how you treat them and what joy you brought into their lives. This is why people always tell me about how much they loved Fiji- not because it is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, which it is- but that the people of Fiji treated them with such receptive love and warmth.

So today when you venture out into the stressful chaotic world, keep your bula spirit alive. Channel my people and share that love with the world. It desperately needs more sweet whispers of, “I see you. I believe in you. I respect you. And you matter.” 

Happy Fiji day, my friends!

Au domani iko (I love you)

Jamiesonxo