Too many time during my lifetime I've known emotional pain that has brought me to my knees and left me certain that my spirit was broken beyond repair. It wasn't and I survived them all. And during my lifetime I have also experienced times of such incredible happiness and joy that I was sure it must be a once in a lifetime experience. It wasn't, I've had many times of spirit soaring happiness. What I've learned is that life is a continuous ebb and flow, always changing, a mixture of good and bad. Never let the dark times trap you because there is moment of joy just waiting for you to find it. I'm as certain of that as I am that the sun will come up in the morning, set in the evening and the stars will come out at night. And with that in mind, it's time that I begin to work my way out of my grief.
Surrendering to grief would be easy, the path of least resistance. I could settle into it with no effort at all. And that would be a damn shame, not just for me but also for those who love me. I need to ease myself back into the ebb and flow of life. And what better place to start than at the beach...
A day at one of Anna Maria Island beaches reminded me of several things I knew and had forgotten, such as...
The simple beauty of nature is always inspiring to me...
If no one will throw the ball to you, throw it yourself!
And catch it yourself when the waves bring it back to you...
Building sandcastles in the sun with a friend is always better than hiding inside trying to go it alone.
Sharing your little joys with a loved one is better than sharing your misery.
Looking for the little treasures of life can lead to joyful discoveries.