There are so many things that life will hand you that you'll probably want to hand right back. But more often than not, there's a silver lining to it that you've never noticed or always taken for granted. Growing up in New England, I never knew what it was like to not live near the ocean. The beach was always a 10 minute drive away and I couldn't imagine living in any other circumstance. With time and age I've obviously learned that not everyone has the luxury that I grew up. Some people spend most of their whole entire life looking for or waiting for an opportunity to see the ocean. They say you always want what you don't have, but I've never had the desire to be land locked. I feel bad for people that have never heard the rush of waves crashing, the call of seagulls, or the howling of wind skimming the sand. I feel that everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of the coast, alas, we most certainly do not live in a perfect world and what I've concluded is that it really is best to just appreciate what you have for what it is, and if you don't like it, try as hard as you can to change it! Appreciating the beach is something that's always been a part of me. When you grow up by the water in New England, you are never afraid to run right into the freezing, salty waves even if it's sixty five in the middle of April. You're pretty positive that no amount of vacuuming or cleaning is going to expel all the sand from your car. Having the tallest dark grey-ish brown wet sand mud puddle was the indicator that you were essentially the coolest. And you know that seagulls are fearless creatures of the sky who could care less if you're finished with your sandwich or not, because it's theirs now. I'll admit that the turquoise waters of tropical coasts are beautiful and warm, but nothing beats the harsh, deep, dark blue of the Atlantic, (even if it does make your whole body red, numb, and tingly sometimes; that's part of the fun!) The beaches of New England are such a huge part of my childhood and life now that I can't imagine not spending all of my Summers there. They're somehow more relaxing and comforting than any place on Earth. The love I have for the ocean was nurtured throughout my whole life. I cherish the memories I have of packing the trunk full of pales, sifters and shovels, and spending the day in the smell of sunscreen and seaweed and salt, that evolved into days where all it took to put me in a better mood was my towel, my bikini, and a couple hours after school, on the beach, in the sun listening to the tide go in and out. It's always comforting to know that no matter what, the magic of the beach is only a few minutes from me and I wouldn't have it any other way.