“Just don’t think about it like you normally would. Just feel the direction of the water and go with it.” So went my instructions for being out in some very open, very rough waters two days ago.
As I wear flip flops in January, as I drive on the left, as I schlep a cooler and a chair into the sand at 9:00 a.m. on a Wednesday I am constantly reminded of the benefit of doing things differently than usual. Benefits, I should say. There are so very many.
I have slowed down. I have settled in. I have seen the sun set from the same chair I was sitting in when it rose that morning. I have jogged down roads with hills out to kill me knowing the remedy will be something in the form of pie, or burgers, or a four-thousand-calorie mixed drink. Or all of the above. I have read entire books. I have spent time in the company of friends I do not deserve. I have laughed and rolled my eyes and listened to music with strangers on the beach. There are so very many benefits.
Perhaps, though, the best of all is the reminder. The reminder that these moments that are completely different from the usual are also completely necessary. Contradiction, catalyst, the ying to the yang– call it what you like. It is all necessary. And just as we’d suspect, the other half of the reminder is that though the beach and the sun and the sand are very helpful, we can do this on our own any time. While I don’t think I’ll hop over to the left side of the road when I get home, the rest, I am reminded, are very possible. Just try something a little different; don’t do it like you normally would.
It’s a good thing this reminder came when it did. Instead of being at home in the snow trying in vain to stay awake because it is Friday night , right now I’m sitting on the deck, it’s 10:45 p.m. on a Friday in January, I’m eating cereal straight from the box, I’m about to drift off to the sound of live music from about two miles away and I couldn’t be happier. The next seventy-two hours is going to go way too fast.
craig says:
Sounds like heaven. It’s posts like this that make me grateful for the writing skills you’ve been given.
I feel like I’ve been on a vacation just reading about this outing of yours. And you are right. More of this kind of peace and well being need to be cultivated in daily life. I’m glad you got the time away.
January 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
sizzle says:
i want to be where you are- sounds like bliss. soak it up and enjoy every second.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:08 am
MN Sunshine says:
“Don’t do it like you normally would”.. Oh bless you for the delightful inspiration.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Nicole says:
sounds like heaven.
January 26th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Cat Chaser says:
“..eating cereal straight from the box.” , isn’t atypical anymore cuz I do that too!( may be most singles do..)
Have fun in the Carribbean!:)
January 26th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Jen says:
He’s right, just go with it and enjoy!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
JACC says:
All of the above please.
January 27th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Jacinta says:
It sounds perfect. Great food, good drinks, exercise and some time to rest. It is an idyllic holiday I think. As for spending time with friends you don’t deserve??? Friendship goes both ways. You must be getting it right to have such great company. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
January 27th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Maggie says:
I agree with Jacinta, it does sound perfect. Really glad that you’re having a good time.
January 27th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Robb says:
Good for you! Soak up all you can.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Danielle says:
It wouldn’t be fair to live in paradise would it? You might grow to take it for granted it…but it would be nice!
January 28th, 2008 at 6:44 am
swimlappy says:
How much vacation do you get in a year? Because I don’t think its as much as me haha Hope you got some good rest and fun in!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
MN Sunshine says:
Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you many magical memories of races.. to go with your memories of this vacation!
January 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm