Why the Beach Feels Like Home

I’ve always been a beach gal.  Being by the ocean creates a feeling of being in my own space whenever I’m there. The sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore.  The smell of salt water with a hint of coconut from your suntan lotion.  Your skin soaking up every bit of sun.  It’s the most peaceful, serene, and mesmerizing place to be.  It’s a place that has always been very near and dear to my heart. 

It reminds me of family vacations. Every summer we’d got to Laguna beach. We’d stay at the same hotel, Vacation Village.  It was nestled right on the beach.  It’s a place where I built so many childhood memories—swimming in the pool, boogie boarding in the ocean, playing in the game room.  It was the perfect spot to be.  

My grandparents actually stayed at that hotel when they were younger, so, it kind of became a familial place to gather every summer.  I’ll never forget the days of playing with my cousins.  We’d play with a frisbee, go bodysurfing, and search the sand for unique seashells.  I vividly remember staying in the water until sunset, with pruned fingers and quite a hungry belly.  

I always enjoyed dinner.  A restaurant called The Jolly Roger was our go-to spot.  It was like a typical diner, only pirate themed (my favorite).  I’d usually order a cheeseburger with fries.  I was a rather picky kid, so I stuck to what I knew.  But the best part of the experience other than eating and having fun with family, was grabbing a chocolate mint on my way out.  I’d sneak quite a few into my pocket because they were too good.  After dinner, we’d go meandering through the small, artsy town and grab some ice cream, a sweet ending to a perfect day. 

When I was older, I’d spend a lot of time alone on the beach at night, just listening to the waves.  It felt so soothing to be able to just sit there on the sand and ponder life—things I want to change, memories of the past, goals for the future—I’d think about everything.  It was a great space to just relax, put my mind and ease, and just drift away.  

The beach represents more than my favorite summer destination.  It’s a place where I can find peace and clarity.  It reminds me to pause and exist in the present moment. 

So, if you present me with the option of going to the beach or the mountains, every time, I’ll choose the beach.  It reminds me of cherished memories with family.  It reminds me of hours spent thinking about life underneath the stars.   It’s a feeling of returning home. It gives me comfort, and the type of joy that I can’t seem to get elsewhere.  It’s just simply my happy place.

“Some places feel like home long before you understand why. For me, that place has always been the ocean.”

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