Hello! It’s nice to be in touch with you again. It’s been five months since I’ve written a blog post, and I’ve missed my interaction with each one of you. Life has been busy!
In August, we had our first family vacation since pre-Covid. It was nice to be together again, and it gave us a chance to relax, refocus, and enjoy each other’s company. While on vacation, I had the opportunity to be still and quiet, and to look deep inside to reflect on what I’ve learned about myself this past year.
We went on vacation to our favorite place: Sunset Beach in North Carolina. I’m a waterbug, and I love being at the beach from sunup to sundown. Some of my favorite things about the beach are the freedom it brings me to let go and be a kid again; the sound of the waves breaking; feeling the sand under my feet; the low tide and how far you can walk into the ocean before the water reaches your waist; the ocean breeze and flying kites; families laughing and playing and enjoying each other; the sandpipers and collecting seashells; the sand dunes and beach vegetation; the sun glistening off the water; the blue sky and fluffy white clouds; long walks on the boardwalk; viewing the vastness of the ocean.
The first morning we arrived at the beach, high tide was starting to come in. The waves were beautiful with their rhythm and grace. The switch from low tide to high tide didn’t happen instantaneously. It took most of the day. The waves were easy to ride and glide over without them coming too fast. It was a nice pace. When I got tired of being in the water, I stood on the shore and watched the waves continue to come in and go back out.
I find that ebb and flow so cleansing for the soul–to let everything wash out with the waves, to let go of what is holding me back or heavy on my heart. In life we have to ride out the trials we face. When riding out the trials of life, we don’t know how long they will take, and sometimes they overtake us. The last year has been like that for me. But with God’s help, with prayer and His word, with faith and His strength, the tide is changing.
The beautiful sunset at the end of the beach day was breathtaking. The short walk back from the ocean to our rental home was sweet, and the outdoor shower and fresh seafood for dinner were refreshing and restorative–the perfect way to end a fantastic day.
I’m so grateful for the vacation, for the chance to relax, reenergize, refocus and start again. What will the restart look like? Not sure, but I know I’m at the start of something new, and it’s exciting.
When we returned home, I was excited to write on my blog again. It didn’t happen right away, but that’s okay. Today was the perfect day to write.
Thank you for the reminder to take time to reflect. I always feel better when I take time to reflect. But I don’t do it enough. I’m glad you got to be at your favorite place with the people you love the most.
Thank you for the reminder to take time to reflect. I always feel better when I take time to reflect. But I don’t do it enough. I’m glad you got to be at your favorite place with the people you love the most.
Im happy you got away. Yes I love the beach too. Soo refreshing and rejuvenating. I felt that way getting away and going to the beach with Riley. It was wonderful. Glad to see you blogging again.
Beach is my happy place.
Yes I agree with all you described the beach to be. I want to also include;
the heat from the earth & sand underneath me is a great feeling. It is healing to the aches and pains of my soul and my body.
Goals? How do you set them?
Learn about myself? Look at the last year? Terrifying! But I’m getting through it. Thank you for the lovely post and analogy of the beach. It’s my favorite place to be.
Thank you for reading the blog. It’s been a real learning curve this year. Beach is so soothing. Yes, the heat is a great feeling.
Sounds like the most perfect day!!! The beach is cleansing and relaxing for me too. I feel very blessed that I got to also experience the joy and healing of time spent at the beach this year. So glad you are blogging again.
It was a perfect week. Each was so much fun.
I love your blogs; their always so well written and interesting. I’m glad you got to go to your happy place and vacation and spend time with your family.
Thank you, Marie, for sharing your stories and happenings in your life.
Can’t wait for Your next blog!
Love you,
Karyn ❤🙏😘
Thank you for the nice compliment.
I can feel the salt air breezes. Definitely a joyous account of time with your loved ones; an uplifting read!
Thank you for reading the blog.
It was great to read one of your inspiring blogs, again! Also, it was fun seeing you and Hank along with the family , even for a short time! All the best with your new endeavor!
It was fun. The week went by too fast.
Loved this…❤️
So happy for you! Love you
Thank you
Loved this…❤️
I agree with all you posted, we have relocated to North Carolina and are living in a place called Lake Royale. Jim and I are planning to go to that beach.
Yes I agree with all you described the beach to be. I want to also include;
the heat from the earth & sand underneath me is a great feeling. It is healing to the aches and pains of my soul and my body.
Goals? How do you set them?
Learn about myself? Look at the last year? Terrifying! But I’m getting through it. Thank you for the lovely post and analogy of the beach. It’s my favorite place to be.
Sunset is our favorite. There are many beautiful beaches in NC. I hope you get visit all of them.