Today, a month later, I walked outside again. When
I drive over to the beach, I enjoy walking outside. Overall, anywhere, anytime I
love walking outside in nature, but more than any other place, the wilderness
of the Missouri Ozarks speaks to me, feels like home. When I’m there in
Missouri, I tend to take walks outside more often, but I finally made it to Melbourne
Beach this morning. I took a walk along the beach, hunting for seashells,
snapping photos, and listening to the sounds of the seagulls and waves.
So
far, this year has been rough. January was filled with too many anniversaries,
and not the good kind. And too many conflicting emotions and too many new
hurdles to handle. Not to mention too much work and too much time alone. It’s
strange because I am an introvert who loves having time alone and loves several
passive activities (reading books, writing, etc.); however, since losing Mom
and becoming an “orphan,” I find it difficult to be alone for too long. 
But
today, I took a beach walk alone and found much to be grateful for. Even though
it’s an overcast, gray day, it was gorgeous outside. The fresh breeze
invigorated while the crash of the rolling waves refreshed. As I walked
barefoot in the wet sand, I realized that everything is okay in this present
moment. I left the beach feeling energized and even happy, and I am thankful
for the gifts from the sea.
