I recently spent a few days relaxing at the beach.
And somewhere between the dunes and the ocean…
I realized something.
The beach isn’t what changed.
I did.
When I picture the perfect beach,
I think of peaceful joy.
The beautiful view.
The sound of the waves.
Sea birds gliding overhead.
Cool water on my feet.
Then reality showed up.
If getting to the beach requires hiking through the dunes…
it’s too far.
If the walk back to the restroom requires prior planning…
we’ve crossed the line from vacation to endurance event.
If cars are driving up and down the beach…
it’s too trafficky.
If I have to carry my own refreshments…
I will not be refreshed.
If it’s raining…
it’s too wet.
If it’s sunny…
it’s too hot.
If everyone around me is laughing, splashing, and having the best day ever…
it’s too loud.
And if all of those things happen on the same beach…
I’m going back to the hotel.
And somewhere between the ocean…
and the hotel…
I realized something.
I just love the version of the beach that comes with
a big beach umbrella,
comfortable lounge chairs,
someone wandering by every so often asking,
“Would you like another drink?”
“Can I bring you lunch?”
and absolutely no requirement that I earn the view.
Apparently…
my idea of the perfect beach changed
right along with me.
These days,
‘m less “beach person”…
and more “beach resort person.”
And honestly…
I’m okay with that.
After surviving cancer twice,
I’m learning that choosing the comfrotable chair
isn’t giving up.
Sometimes…
it’s simply self-care.
And I have a feeling
we could all use
a little more of that.
-Pattie
P.S. Tell me about your perfect beach day. What does it absolutely have to include?
Third Act With Pattie 
Lol, perfect beach day? Not being there. I’m not a beach person. Took the kids when they were young, occasionally was coerced into a trip with a friend who loved the beach. My type of beach is a rocky cove in Maine, where I can sit on a huge stone all by my lonesome (or with a quiet, non-beachy friend) and contemplate the water, the sky, and life. Only a yard or two of sand, and even fewer people.
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That sounds like there was a hike involved. Hiking is not beaching – in my head at least. 🙂 But the scenery and the nature part of it sounds fantastic!! Ditto to the not too many people.
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I love your writing. Always have. We just got back from a couple of months in Europe. 2 months in Spain….which included 5 weeks in beach towns, Sitges and Cadiz. We spent time with Ricardo and his husband, Rob. Much fun. For me the perfect beach day is warm. But hot, azure blue ocean, people watching, and umbrella and chair, cocktails and bathroom nearby, and my kindle and AirPods!
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Wow Sumner, that sounds awesome. The European vacation AND the perfect beach day! I’m so glad you are having a great time.
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