Women in Midlife…Why is the beach so healing for us? The water heals my heart. The sun and sand. Sunglasses and sun screen. Bathing suits and towels. Umbrellas and cool drinks. Books and writing while sitting on the beach is the best thing ever. The sound of the waves and the beauty of it all is so amazing and calming to me.
Last year I hadn’t been to the beach for several years. In fact, I couldn’t believe how long it had been once I figured it out. So, I decided to go to southern California where my daughters live and rent a room right on the beach. I spent several hours scouring the internet for the perfect hotel. You never really know until you get there, if it is in fact, the perfect hotel. The price indicated that well “it better be” let’s leave it at that. I had done well last year and decided to splurge. I had never paid so much for a hotel stay in my life. But, I was determined that this would be the best girl trip ever!
As we pulled up to the Sand and Surf Resort I took a deep breath. It was not big from the front. The building was built in the 1940’s. It opened in 1948. It quickly established itself as a premier post war luxury destination. It was known as a hideaway for Hollywood celebrities. Many famous people have stayed here through the years.
The circular driveway curves so you pull up right in front of the resort. 2 valets are there waiting to help you with whatever you need. I stepped out of the car and felt the warm ocean breeze. The building was all white. We walked up a few stairs to the front doors. We were instantly greeted and welcomed. The floors are hard wood and the walls are white. Artwork of the beach. Marble tables and counters. The style is bright and welcoming. The first thing you see through the quaint lobby is a path to a balcony overlooking the ocean.
We took a small elevator to the 5th floor. The room entrance opens to the outside. All the hallways are outside. We walked into our room and all I could say was “WOW” Beautiful, clean, crisp…but the view!! It was everything I could ask for and more!
We settled in for 3 days of relaxing and beach lounging!
As I stood on the beach with the water lapping at my feet. I looked out over the scene and felt like I could breathe. It brought tears to my eyes. Gratitude filled my soul for the money I had been able to make last year. The great career I had found later in life. Yet still I sensed there was something more I was suppose to do.
Life has not been easy these last 10 years. It felt like a reward for surviving and managing to thrive in the face of heartbreak and loss.
I felt proud that I could give my daughters this as well.
So, at the beach we rested, read books, laid on the beach, swam, ate and did some exploring. I journaled and thought about doing what I’m doing now. Creating a blog and a space for women over 50 that want to reinvent themselves. Or need help moving forward after life changes.