When my husband and I were Chicago-based newlyweds back in the 1980’s, we were given the gift of staying at a friend’s Florida condominium on Siesta Key – right on the Gulf of Mexico. This was a huge treat for us! Even though we were both born and raised in the Detroit area, literally surrounded by the Great Lakes, we rarely took the time to go to the beach.
Needless to say, we had the time of our lives on Siesta Key enjoying the sun, sand, surf and PELICANS! I LOVE pelicans – they are such amazing birds – and never tire of watching them as they literally “carry-out” (of the water) their dinners every evening. I absolutely HATED leaving Sarasota to return to Chicago that November day, knowing I was returning to the gloominess of a northern winter and fighting the Seasonal Affective Disorder that goes along with it!
About two years later Mike and I had both had enough of winter and set about looking for the opportunity to move to a sunnier climate permanently. Fortunately, we landed in Tampa, not too far from the beaches we had loved. We were so excited about being able to once again enjoy the sun, sand, surf and pelicans!
Guess what happened? While we did build a lovely home in a beautiful area with lots of sunshine and natural beauty, due to our jobs, we built it at least 15 miles from the sand, surf and pelicans we craved. And just as we had done in the Midwest, we rarely (never) got to the beach.
Fast forward TWENTY-FOUR years!!!!! Last year Mike and I were privileged to6 celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary at another generous friend’s gorgeous condo on the Gulf of Mexico - this time on Clearwater Beach. We were supposed to go out there Friday and return home on Monday evening. Due to my work - or possibly the skewing of my priorities - we did not even leave for the beach until 2:00 on Saturday, thereby eliminating one of the three days we had planned. Once there, we TOTALLY relaxed, enjoyed the sun, sand, surf and PELICANS, and forgot about our jobs, computers, careers…. We went swimming in the Gulf for the first time in 24 years and it was WONDERFUL! I almost cried at the sensation. It is just not the same in my swimming pool….
The message here is simple – if we wait another 24 years to do what is so special to us, it is doubtful we will even be there to do it!
It is SOOOO IMPORTANT to MAKE THE TIME you need to enjoy the things that mean so much to your soul! Learn to do the little things that make you feel alive! You don’t have to wait for a generous friend to come along and set an appointment with life! Be your own generous friend!
If you have good knees and a bicycle, ride your bike and experience that feeling again.
If you have a dog – and a crash helmet – take the dog along for a run while you are on the bike! Crash helmets are essential if you have a willful dog!
If you don’t have a crash helmet – take the dog to a dog park and watch them interact. There’s a lot of joy in that!
Go to dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Take a drive with your windows rolled down and your hair blowing wild in the breeze.
If you are truly adventurous – go sky or scuba diving – roller skating – whatever!
Whatever it is that makes your spirit soar – pick at least one day a month to indulge in it – and go for it. Your mind, body and spirit will feel better for the experience!
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