I just got back from a much needed vacation. A great opportunity to relax, unwind, cross stuff off of the bucket list and take time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings our planet has to offer. All in all a great time was had! I have been with my company for six and a half years and it was the first time I had taken off a full weeks vacation! I had always taken long weekends and odd days, but never a full week. So, when I stated this was much needed, I was not exaggerating.
I am trying to take some of the peace and tranquility from the past week and cling to it before the onset of the daily grind and routine sets back in and the reality of working another few months without a break sets in. In doing so, I want to reflect on lessons learned from my beach vacation.
The weather was beautiful but due to the storm off of the coast, the surf was a bit rough and the waves extremely high. Due to this, the no swimming red flag was raised. Being with a man that is most likely part dolphin, he was a bit disappointed. However, like in life, sometimes circumstances and rules are designed for our safety. Kind of like when we pray for something and the response is "not now". Timing is everything and everything happens in its good and perfect timing as it is designed. Whether it is to prevent us from being hurt or put into an uncompromising position, we sometimes have to accept a "no" answer. Sometimes things don't unfold they way we want them to for our own good. So the lesson in this is to understand that we are at times being redirected and protected to keep us safe.
Now, about that red flag... A simple and visual warning to let you know that you need to take heed. In the past few years one of the lessons I have learned is to pay attention to the red flags that are placed in front of you. It kind of falls in line with the saying, when someone shows you their true colors, don't try to repaint them. I was always taught and will continue to live my life looking for the good in others, but when the red flag is clearly flapping in front of you, pay attention. No matter how much you want to believe in the goodness of others, let your intuition guide you and steer you to believe more in their actions than mere words.
No matter how rough the ocean can be, there is still a beauty and majesty in it. The respect I have for the power of the water is great. It can be soothing, relentless and overpower you if it wants. The lesson I received from the hours of sitting on the balcony overlooking this mighty blue power reminded me that no matter how rough the seas are in our lives, eventually the waters will calm and we will find the stillness we are seeking. Occasionally the rip tide can steer you off shore and pull you in another direction then you wish to be going, but you have the ability to ride it out and swim it out if you just go with the current.
Sometimes we are blessed to witness an amazing moment in nature. I was sitting out on the balcony one morning reflecting on the years I lived in Florida. Remembering how much I enjoyed taking a few hours on a Friday afternoon and sitting out on the jetties and watching the dolphins swim by. I remembered those moments as an escape from the craziness of everyday life and to clear my mind. Thinking that I most likely would not see any off of the coast of NC, all of a sudden appears two fins swimming closely off shore. Now I know that they were close since I did not have my glasses on and they were as clear a day right in front of me. Just as the fins swam directly in front of my view, two dolphins leapt from the water as if displaying a rehearsed private show. They continued swimming down the coastline until turning for deeper waters just before the pier. I gave a glance up to the heavens and gave a nod of gratitude for the scene I had just witnessed. Just a reminder that we are sometimes given glimpses of wonderment and we need to take it all in and enjoy the magical moments when they present themselves.
One of the bucket list items was seeing the Hatteras lighthouse. It stood there dwarfing me as I stared at it's beautifully and newly painted black and white stripes. I knew it would be a hot climb on that August afternoon, but was determined to make it to the top and step out onto the walk way. I am not a lover of heights, but have made it a mission to look fear in the eye and conquer. After what seems like five thousand steps, I made it to the top and took the step out onto the lookout walk way. Suddenly looking out at what seemed like the edge of the earth, I no longer was overwhelmed by how high up I was, but rather how spectacular the view was. A true birds eye view complete with the wind whipping through my hair. The rush I felt through my body as I took in the picture in front of me really reminded me that it is important to remember to look at the big picture in life. We can allow our fears to take over and be consumed by the small stuff but a big picture view can put everything in perspective.
So, just as I was reminded in a glorious beach setting, I remind you to remember:
Timing is everything and things will unfold in their perfect timing.
Pay attention to the red flags in life and let your intuition be your guide.
No matter how rough life can get, nothing is permanent....just roll with it.
Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us and embrace the magical moments.
Take a step back and look at the big picture to regain perspective.
Most importantly, recognize that sometimes we need a break to create new moments that turn into great memories and remind us and reinforce life's little lessons. They can be found all around us, even at the beach!
Just Sayin'
Christina
