“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.”

– Nayyirah Waheed

Ever since I was a kid, the beach has been my happy place.

I remember when I was little, we would go to a beach called Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville. It was about an hour away from where we lived in San Jose –  we would pile into the mini-van and drive away from the bustling city, through the strawberry farms, and land on this little slice of beach heaven.

Now, if you have ever been to the beach in Northern California – it’s not always the warmest place.

But you would have to peel me out of the water, every single evening. Sand was always an accessory. Family was always close.

It was where we went to recharge our family batteries.

We all still remember the trips we took to Pajaro Dunes. No matter where we moved, how many places we went. Those trips cemented our love for the ocean.

Now, I live in New England, and my heart still craves time at the beach.

When things get stressful and busy, and seem to be spinning out of control – my default is to head to the water. The ocean waves wash away the stress, the sea breeze takes those dizzying thoughts and somehow makes sense out of them, and the sand always welcomes company.

And just like Pajaro Dunes, the water here in New England has a little bit of a chill to it. But even as an-almost-30 year old, you have to peel me away from the water when it’s time to go. There is always a question asked, “How about five more minutes?”

I head to the beach to recharge.

I leave the beach ready to take charge of what I need to.

As the summer comes to an end, I’ll make a few more visits to the beach. Getting my dose of sand, salt, water and sun that will carry me to the first spring beach day. When I know it will be there ready for me, and I for it.