Is there anything more hopeful, more joyful than the thought that spring is coming? Knowing that around the corner the sun sets later, flowers are blooming, and temperatures rise get me through the tail end of February.
Spring in the beach town where I live is especially lovely. The days are filled with long walks after work on the beach, reading happy hours with a glass of crisp white wine, Sundays swimming in the ocean, Friday night ice cream runs, and eating on the back porch.
Though I am a self proclaimed summer girl through and through, I can’t deny the claim that spring also has on my heart.
It’s usually this time of year where my schedule seems to pick up and I want my days to slow down. My heart craves the peaceful activities: journaling, reading with tea, laying in the sun, or writing letters to my pen pals.
In the midst of a world that always seems to feel overwhelming or disheartening, I think seeking joy is a brave choice.
In my ever present struggle to get off my phone, I want to channel my energy this March into activities that ground me - watering my plants, using my hands to plant something new, asking a friend to go on a walk, watching the sunrise on the beach, spending time at my local library, and visiting my local farmers market.
I pray that March feels restorative, hopeful, and kind to you.
It seems like every year one of my resolutions is to fully embrace living in our beach town - not only just go to the beach, but live the lifestyle. I’ve lived here for over five years now and I still feel just as in awe that I get to live at the beach now as I did on that first day.
I realize finally that with this goal, as with all goals, I needed to get specific. Yes, I want to embody the aesthetic but more importantly I want to feel it, and I want my life choices to reflect it. I want, eventually, not to have to think or plan but just to naturally fall into these habits.
One practical step I’m planning on taking this spring and summer is to learn how to surf. I’ve tried a few times with friends, and a handful with an ex-boyfriend who did know how to surf, but I still remain unconfident and nervous about the act. Audrey, Sarah, and I talked to the staff at a local surf store and bodega we love and they told us about their surf lessons. We are planning on signing up - I am thrilled!
Not only will this help me feel more connected to my community, but I love learning and I enjoy being a beginner. I feel like it tickles different parts of my brain.
I’m also making a list of all the coffee shops and restaurants here that I haven’t tried yet so I can cross them off this year. I do feel like I do a good job of eating out at local establishments when I go out to eat, which is a gift, because our city has so much to offer and I love supporting the people who are my neighbors. But also, it’s fun to try new things or visit new places!
I love to watch the sunrise over the ocean, and I love to be on the beach as the day winds down. I have made it a habit to go to at least one beach sunrise per month, but I’d like to go more.
In the spring and the summer, it’s really fun when we manage to start and end our day at the beach and in the ocean. Those are the days where physically and emotionally, I feel my best, and the most connected to my home. I collapse into bed at night, warm and happy and content.
Anyone else feel themselves wanting to be more physically connected to where they live? What do you to to stay grounded in your community?
Mini Weekly REPORT—
Reading- Rereading the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Eating- Lots of baked goods by my sister - follow her account on Instagram!
Playing- At the zoo with my dear friend’s little ones. It’s a gift to see life through the eyes of a child
Obsessing- Over the change in seasons. Spring brings so much joy and I can’t wait for the time change
Recommending- Amy Poehler’s podcast “Good Hang” - she is a such a gem!
Treating- I don’t watch much tv, but you better believe I’m treating myself to watch Bridgerton before bed right now
It’s so lovely to have so many new friends on Substack. I hope you enjoy my writing. I am deeply grateful that you are here! I hope everyone has a sweet March.
This month, let’s all do something:
1) for fun
2) healthy for you
3) hard for you
You got it!
“I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.” Louisa May Alcott
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