The catamaran skimmed across the azure waters off Kaanapali Beach in Maui, its sails stretched taut against the warm breeze. The rhythmic sound of waves brushing against the twin hulls mixed with the occasional creak of the rigging—a peaceful rhythm that felt like it belonged to the island itself. The air carried the unmistakable scent of salt and sunshine, wrapping around us like a warm embrace.

I sat at the bow, fully immersed in the moment, the sun soaking into my skin and the ocean breeze brushing my face. A cool drink rested in my hand, its sweetness blending perfectly with the taste of the sea in the air. Around me, my family was experiencing it too—quietly taking in the endless blue, the gentle motion of the boat, and the magic of the day. There was a shared stillness, an unspoken understanding that we were part of something extraordinary.

This wasn’t just another day. It was one of the top five happiest moments of my life. I was in a place that enveloped me completely—in every sense—and I was sharing it with the three people I love most in the world. Time seemed to slow, and in that stillness, everything felt perfect.

Looking back on this moment has given me an opportunity over the years to understand resonance and how certain experiences stand out as undeniable reflections of who we are.

That day on the catamaran wasn’t just beautiful—it was resonant. Resonance is something I’ve come to recognize as a guide for decision-making, a simple filtering tool that helps me and others define what aligns with who we are: “This is me; this is not me.”

It’s a principle I use in my SPARK Sessions—a way to cut through the noise of life and identify what truly matters. Some experiences leave us feeling neutral, others create discomfort or dissonance, and then there are the rare moments when something shouts, “This is REALLY me.” Those are the moments we lean into, the ones that define us and bring us closer to the person we want to be.

The power of this approach lies in having a confident sense of who you are and the courage to make choices that align with that identity. This Christmas, our family decided to embody that principle. Instead of focusing on gifts under the tree, we chose to invest our time and resources in creating another experience like that day in 2017—an experience that resonates deeply with who we are.

Today, on Christmas Day, my family and I are on a plane back to Maui—a place that holds deep meaning for us.

Maui isn’t just a vacation spot for us; it’s a place that grounds us in something bigger. It’s where we’ve experienced moments of clarity and connection that remind us of who we are. This year, we’re sailing again with Trilogy—our favorite charter—for two trips: one to watch whales and snorkel, and another midnight sail to close out 2024 and welcome 2025.

Heading back to those waters as a family feels like coming full circle—revisiting the memories that have shaped us while creating new ones in the place where we connected to who we are.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of speaking at Perry Marshall’s Definitive AI Seminar. My talk was not about algorithms or technology but about humanity—and the question that has been on so many minds:

“How do I stay grounded when the world around me is shifting so fast?”

I asked the audience, “How many of you feel like there’s a shift going on?”

Eighty percent of the room raised their hands.

This wasn’t a discussion about AI causing an identity crisis—it was about AI catalyzing one. In a world moving at lightning speed, the most powerful anchor we have is understanding who we are.

Perry described my talk like this:

I thought it would appropriate to share my talk with you today. It’s 47 minutes, so it’s something you’ll need to set time aside for, but it’s worth it - here’s what others’s have said…

Maui isn’t just a place of peace for my family—it’s a place of resilience. In 2023, Arlene and I again in Maui, and we were in Lahaina just one week before the fires swept through, leaving devastation in their wake. The destruction of homes, businesses, and places like Front Street was heartbreaking.

One of the greatest losses we feared was the historic banyan tree, planted in 1873. Under its sprawling branches, Arlene and I had sat for hours during our visit, feeling its quiet energy. When the fires hit, we thought it was gone forever.

But the banyan tree survived. Though scarred and damaged, it has shown signs of recovery. Arborists have reported new growth, and efforts are underway to restore its health. This tree, like Maui itself, is a testament to resilience—a reminder that renewal is possible even after great loss.

Here’s a picture of Arlene dancing under the banyan tree during one of our previous visits—a moment of joy and connection that we’ll always treasure.

I don’t know what you faced this year.

Perhaps you experienced a severe loss like our Ohana in Maui.

Perhaps you’ve had the best year of your life.

Whatever happened, I encourage you to sit in a moment of gratitude for what you’ve experienced this year, because you’ve called these experiences forth to serve your highest good.

May you continue to grow and find light and love now and in the new season ahead.

From my family to yours, I wish you a season filled with love, connection, and the courage to embrace who you are. Let’s move into 2025 with clarity and purpose, grounded in our shared humanity.

Light and Love

Bob Regnerus