When two roads diverge, take the one that leads to the beach. - Hannah McKinnon
That's precisely what I did 7 years ago.
If someone had told me back then that I would live close to a beach and surfing would become my ultimate passion, I surely would've laughed out loud at them.
Watersports? Me? The one who was always too afraid to snorkel since she didn't like putting her head under water?
Now, some years later, my first ritual in the morning is checking the wave forecast. Just in case.
In fact today's scenario really didn't look too bad.
There was a small time frame given where winds were supposed to blow gently onshore, while a friendly swell of 3-4ft high waves was going to hit the coast.
Swell. Onshore. I had never used such terms, but now they're part of my daily obsession.
When I woke up today my muscles were still a bit sore from yesterday's session. Yet, that type of pain usually disappears after paddling out again.
So I didn't think about it too long.
Here's to unexpected gifts of life under the rising sun.
Find your anchor.
That's what a friend of mine told me many years ago.
To be honest, at that point in time I had no idea what he was actually refering to.
Now that I have found that anchor myself, I do know.
Relationships - both in private and business life - come and go. Some of them are supposed to last longer than others. Yet few are meant to be forever.
Still human beings need some type of stability to feel safe and secure.
Now if relationships can break, what may provide you with a safety net then?
Well if you have the chance to find something, an activity, that keeps you grounded no matter what, you'll become somehow invincible.
Independently from the outer circumstances, you'll have your secret retreat where you can return to and recharge.
Ideally that activity - that anchor - requires both your physical and mental efforts. Then chances are high that you can even use it as an energy booster.
Anchors are amazing sparring partners in life.
Surfing is my anchor.
No matter what's going on in my life, I can always go to the beach, paddle out for a while, get lost and break free.
Afterwards I'm literally prepared for everything.
The physical activity, combined with a huge portion of sun and oxygen, as well as the mental training, help me to focus on what's really important - in and outside the water.
I sometimes ask myself what I would've done if life hadn't sent me to an island with beaches.
How could I have survived without all this?
Well I think I would've made it to the Ocean no matter what.
Life usually offers you a couple of side roads and the chance to voluntarily choose your future path. You just need to recognize those opportunities and act with determination then.
Our inner dreams and passions usually find their way to the surface, sooner or later.
My favorite coffee is served at the beach.
Coffee actually tastes even best when served near the shore, didn't you know that?
Some day I'll probably get myself one of those camper vans and just travel the world, from one surf spot to the next.
Yet I guess I'd always come back home to my island after a certain while, since this place to me is just perfect.
If you create the life you want, you actually don't need to go on vacation again.
Now go and catch that anchor of yours :-)
Much love,
Marley -
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This blog was created in July 2016, aiming to provide thought-provoking content for open-minded people who go on adventure, step out of comfort zones and embrace the new.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
PS: All my blog posts are created and submitted via eSteem Surfer - my favorite Steem desktop client that was developed by @good-karma's @esteemapp team. Check out their account for more information.
Original content.