Gratitude

They say one doesn’t truly appreciate something until it is taken away from them. This couldn’t be more so than my favourite beach that was shut up last year. I missed it so much and so was obviously delighted with its reopening around September last year. I have had many trips out there this summer, both to walk and to swim, and of course body boarding, which I love. Thinking of the threatening rain ahead, a friend and I made the trip out there yesterday evening, she to walk and me to swim. There were a couple of people on the beach and only a handful of campers present. A strong breeze was deterring initially, but we soon acclimatized and enjoyed our separate pursuits. When I first enter the sea, it is almost as if it knows that I am there. Without exception, I am greeted with perfect body boarding waves, almost as if to say, welcome. So many times, this season, I have arrived to catch three or four good rides in on my board, then I am unable to catch any more, as if the sea changes, perhaps back to how it was before I arrived. Sometimes it appears angry at me, sending a rogue wave fiercely into my back, knocking me over. As a child I was never allowed to swim on my own but as an adult and on the East Coast, I often do. Whatever mood I arrive in when I enter the water, is quickly transformed into one of happiness. I love the water and in particular, this beach. The cleansing waters seem to wash all my heaviness away.

On Saturday, Stephen and I visited the adjacent beach, first having a walk before diving into the nearly-full tide. The day was overcast and I was not expecting the water to feel so warm and inviting and cleansing but there was something about that swim that felt like one of the best I had ever had. Without my board, I reverted back to body surfing and once again, the waves provided a perfect opening, with both of us catching three or four good ones, torpedoing towards the shore, before they tapered off. There was no undercurrent and I enjoyed that swim so much. I think this is what spurred yesterday’s evening visit. I wanted to recapture the feeling I’d had the day before.

And it reminded me of the days when I would be massaging and make the trip out to the beach for a swim after I had finished my clients for the day. There were lots of evening swims in those days.

But what it also made me realise is how much better I am feeling since starting the treatment with my naturopath. For the last few years, there hasn’t been any energy left over in the evening for anything like that, yet yesterday, I didn’t hesitate when the call of the sea sounded.

I give thanks for both the beautiful beach and my health that allows me to enjoy it.