Turquoise seas, crashing waves, jagged cliffs and intricate rock pools. This is my natural place of calm. The ocean is where I feel most grounded, most at peace and most free. Those who know me well will note my aversion for shoes (or anything on my feet for that matter). Barefoot rock clambering and beach discovering is where I belong. If I am going through a hard time, if life has knocked me down, If I’m feeling a lack in energy or my anxiety levels rising, the beach is where you will find me. Similarly if I’m feeling at peace, at ease and joyful, the beach is where I go to reflect, connect and enjoy life with others. I’m not sure when my love for the ocean began but many of my most early memories are there. Running barefoot across Broulee rock platform, stubbing my toe as I ran faster than my little legs could manage. Birthday parties, family gatherings, going away bashes and welcome home celebrations all at Shelly Beach. The tiring yet exhilarating board races at early morning nippers, navigating the rocky cliff down to our favourite cathedral rocks and walking along many a shore line collecting shells and jumping from rocks into the ocean. I grew up here. I learnt so many lessons and felt so much calm along our coastline. The ocean has been a part of me from the very beginning and I am so thankful for its calming influence.
This past week I spent some time in Sydney, my old uni stomping ground. I stayed with my brother and sister (nearly in law) right by Bronte Beach and enjoyed the salty air and sun soaked sand with some of my dearest humans. My Sydney trip (somewhat coincidentally) coincided with my birthday and when everyone asked what I would like to do I said ‘All I want is to be with the people I love and be by the ocean’. Sydney’s famous costal walk was on the top of our list of activities. In between sun showers and gaps in the ominous storm clouds My dear friend and I wandered down to sun soaked Bronte Beach. We sat for a while with the sun on our faces, the salty wind in our hair enjoying the light sprinkle of sea mist. We chatted about life, obstacles, resilience and friendship. As we walked along the jagged coastline I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be so lucky to be living life here and now in a gorgeous paradise with people who care greatly for me. Sydney was the perfect refuge and reminder of the importance of connection with wonderful people who genuinely care for my wellbeing and success.
Over the next week I enjoyed connecting with other humans whose deep friendship means so much to me. We enjoyed the refreshing ocean, the bustling city, the serenity of the botanical gardens and the familiarity of our Newtown. We rejoiced in the improvement of my health, the deliciousness of vegan restaurants, quaint pup-friendly cafes and the joy of competitive recreational barefoot bowling. We sat in bewilderment of trying fries for the first time in 6 years, the challenges of adult life and the deepness of our friendships. We shared sunsets, newborn cuddles, toddler hugs, puppy play dates, raiders victories and many laughs.
My week by the ocean in Sydney was exactly what my soul needed. The beauty of my surroundings and my friendships did not escape me. They grounded me and brought me much happiness. On my last day in Sydney I layed in the Bronte Beach sun with my family, drying off from a swim in the crystal clear (slightly chilly) water. I felt a combination of reluctance to leave and gratitude for having stayed. As I felt the the sun gently warm my back I listened to the waves and the distant chatter of my family, it occurred to me that deep human connections are much like the ocean. Calming, complex, beautiful, reassuring and ultimately essential to my happiness, connection and success in life.
Peace and Love The Little Earthling