For as long as I can remember, spending time at the beach has been a huge part of my life, no matter what temperature it is or was outside. Whether with family, friends, or friends that have turned into family, it's safe to say that all of my best memories involve the beach in one way or another.
Growing up on Long Island, and spending every summer of my life on Fire Island, I have been lucky enough to live a life ocean side. If you're lucky like me, these next seven statements are easy to relate to.
1. No sound is more magical than the waves hitting the shore.
Appreciating life has always come much more naturally with some sand in your hair and saltwater on your skin, while listening to the waves crashing around you. It's music to your ears.
2. You appreciate the power of the ocean: it can destroy everything.
Your troubles seem small in comparison to the forceful and endless ocean. Ocean tides teach us that we cannot avoid change. Living by the ocean has made me more flexible. Just the way that surfers do, I have been taught to enjoy the ride.
Photo by Katarina Hendrickson
3. When people say that they don't like the beach, you judge them.
Not because you want to be a judgmental person, but because you simply cannot understand how someone doesn't like the smell of the salty air. Que Justin Bieber:
4. Your camera roll consists of mainly sunset pictures.
Who passes up on the opportunity to show off your favorite beach spot to all of your followers, to prove that your beach is better than theirs? Really though, we do it the 'gram.
Photo by tumblr.com
5. You would wear a bathing suit year round if it was acceptable.
Since it's not, you mask your seasonal depression by splurging online. Victoria's Secret, Triangl and Billabong are your most frequently visited websites during the months of the cold winter (and the summer too).
6. Nothing compares to beach cruises with your best friends.
There's something special about listening to your favorite song of that week on replay, as you drive over the bridge with the windows down (up in the winter), as your hair blows in the wind, all in good company. Shout out to the Robert Moses Causeway, I miss you.
7. You wouldn't be the person that you are if you lived anywhere else.
No matter where I go in the world, the ocean will always be home.
