From the day I was born, I have lived near the ocean. Being by the beach was just the way it was. At first, I didn't necessarily appreciate this for its full value. I didn't think of the people who live hours from the shore, or how they have to plan trips to the beach days in advance. Honestly, I took it for granted. My parents would take me down to the water to walk the dog along the sand, or to cool off on a hot, sunny day. We never had a pool. We had the ocean.
Sure, I always thought the beach was fun, but since I have grown, I have discovered a whole new appreciation for living by the beach.
On days where it's beautiful outside, my first instinct is to call up my friends and go to the beach. We all pile in the car, with chairs, towels, bags, and coolers filling it to the brim. We lug our stuff through the parking lot and onto the sand, which is probably really hot and burning the bottoms of our bare feet. We find the most convenient spot to camp out, with a reasonable distance from the pavilion with all of the over-priced food. And finally, we sit. We sit and talk about nonsense, soaking up the sun until we're all dripping with sweat and have no other option but to go for a swim to relieve ourselves. The water might be a little chilly at first, but once you get used to it, you feel unstoppable.
There is no other feeling that compares to swimming in the ocean. You're vulnerable, yet invincible. You feel weightless and as though nothing can touch you. The ocean is so vast and you, one of billions, are now a part of it.
On days where it is snowing and the temperature is at an all time high, my first instinct is to call up my best friend and go down to the seawall. We bundle up with jackets and scarves and climb into the car that has four wheel drive. The roads might be slippery, but it's nothing the Wrangler can't handle. The heat is on full blast, of course, and we always stop for hot chocolate.
By the ocean, everything is glazed with a layer of white. Even the seawall hides itself under the fresh coating of snow. There is a sense of unfamiliarity at the beach in the wintertime. It's the kind of unfamiliarity that allows you to perceive things differently than you have before, while still making you feel comfortable. It's compelling, it's different, it's home.
On days when I'm feeling lost and uneasy, my first instinct is to take a drive by the ocean. Sometimes all it takes is a distraction, and you just need to pull yourself away. You need to escape from the drama, stresses, and difficulties of your every day. So, I take a drive. With the windows down and my hair blowing in disastrous motions, I cruise down Ocean Road and blare whatever cheesy pop song happens to fit my mood. With the waves crashing against the rocks and the breeze surrounding me, nothing else matters. A simple drive by the ocean has solved more problems than I can recall, and for that, I am forever grateful.
I have found comfort in the ocean. For me, there is no better source of serenity and ease. I realize now how lucky I am to have grown up with such an amazing luxury.
