My Favorite Place in the World

This morning, as I was pouring over all my pictures from 2019, I realized just how often I had been to my favorite beach, Anna Maria, and a new-to-me beach Schoodic Point in Maine. I know it sometimes sounds trite, but the beach really can be my happy place.

My Happy Place

The beach is, and has always been, my happy place for its peacefulness and tranquility. If I’m having a bad day, it’s just a 2-hour drive to a little rest and relaxation.

I only go at sunset, not during the heat of the day. First of all, I want to relax, and being around that many people with their radios, boats, water jets, etc. isn’t relaxing. It’s fun, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy hanging out on the beach with friends and family to have fun, but to me it’s not very tranquil. Second, I’m very prone to sunburn (since I’m a redhead and all). So I wait until the end of the day when it’s less crowded and I can hear myself think.

The Ultimate Mental Health Get-Away

I know I’m not alone in this. I have a few friends who love to go with me, even at night.  For me, it is the ultimate mental health get-away.  My bare feet in the water, the cool breeze on my face, the sound of the waves crashing, and the sight of the sun setting… I feel connected to the world and its creator.  At first, I may have all my worries on my mind, but after a few minutes, I am able to let go.  See, our everyday surroundings come with their own worries.  Everywhere I go I am reminded of something that is anxiety-provoking, whether it be my car, my home, or my workplace.  It’s not easy to practice thought-stopping when there is another thought threatening to take over.  Because the beach is so tranquil for me, I can trust that a trip will help me to relax.

Where is your favorite get-away?  I’d love to hear of yours.