Dark Skies, Warm Embrace

Hubs and I went to Miami with friends last weekend. Grownups only. I was torn about vacationing without the girls, but a weekend away can be so nourishing for parents. The beach is my happy place, and I hadn't had beach time without kids since before Liv was born four and a half years ago. It was time for a parents only jaunt. 

Being with friends made the trip extra special. We did pool time, cabana time, beach time and late, delicious dinners. Hubs and I took a couple of strolls. We watched Knives Out before dinner one night. It was the best.

The weather wasn’t perfect. It was a little cooler than I had expected. Hubs had packed his winter sweaters, to which I had scoffed. But of course he was right. There were some drizzles and clouds. But they always passed and the sun peaked and that felt glorious. 

When we arrived Friday afternoon, it was sweater weather, but I couldn't wait to be by the water. I waded in in my jeans, straight off the plane. The sea felt like a bath and the waves merely lapped. No scary waves in sight. As soon as our hotel room was ready I put on my swimsuit and left hubs napping. By the time I got back to the beach it was around 5pm and crews were packing up lounge chairs. There were few people on the sand or in the water. I ran into the ocean like it was the warmest embrace. And it was. 

I thought of our Florida trip last year. Same Sunshine state, completely different state of mind. Just like the sprinkles of rain over the weekend, tough emotions always pass. Joyful ones too. Attachment to any particular feeling or outcome causes suffering. Staying in the moment is the key to feeling free, to being able to truly enjoy the warm embrace. And when being mindful is too hard, I at least try to be curious and not punish myself for whatever is coming up. Whether I’m in Miami, NY, or anywhere at all.

AES