And an ode to the ocean…
Ah, Tax Day – I hope Uncle Sam has been good to you and you’re relieved to have your tax filing in the rearview mirror. Time to treat yourself to a much deserved vacation, right?!
That’s precisely what’s been on my mind these past few weeks. It’s long overdue for many of us and really such an important and beneficial part of our lives – travel. An opportunity to reset, reconnect, replenish our spirits, and expand our horizons.
For me, I especially love to retreat to the ocean. Perhaps because I grew up in the mountains. I do love them too – the crisp air, earthy scents, and towering pines, but the ocean was always a new mesmerizing wonder. I love the warmth of the sunshine, the squish of the sand between my toes, and the roar of waves crashing and retreating. I could sit and watch waves for hours (and I have) – the way they dance, tumble, and stretch up onto the shore. Seeing teeny clamshells pop up from under the sand after each withdrawing wave and then hang on again upon its, almost immediate, return.
The ocean has always been a marvel to me – all at once playful, restorative, vast, wondrous, mysterious, and yet incredibly powerful. I had my first harrowing ocean experience off the coast of Wales back in 2004. Later, I overcame (unrelated) fears of deep, dark waters after an incredible, guided intro dive at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. I signed up for my SCUBA certification that afternoon and added my deep water certification soon after!
The ocean commands respect; both for its beauty and its darkness. Though there are dangers, it’s inviting nonetheless. The explorer in me is always buzzing when I’m at the ocean – thinking of all those (past and present) who have gazed out at that horizon, wondering what they would find sailing toward it, how they mustered the courage to do so, and what they found through the journey. Have you ever felt the same? We’ve all crossed many oceans in our lives, just by different names.
Now perhaps it goes without saying but yes, my first venture back overseas will be to the ocean! In between travel inquiries and designs for clients, I’ve spent the past few weeks researching and planning a getaway to the Dominican Republic and cannot be more excited! There’s nothing like having a trip on the calendar to increase one’s happiness. So… where will you go first?!
If you haven’t yet, start creating your own Wanderlist – an awesome tool to help you visualize, plan, and share those next adventures! If you have something in mind already, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’d love to see how I can help and support your travel goals.
