Knowing we'll get to take a vacation is often what gets us through the work weeks; the idea of getting away from whatever activities normally occupy our attention. That's what vacations are for, right? Taking your mind off the things that run through it from day to day.
And the beach can be the most soothing of places. Soaking up the sun and listening to the waves, while letting your toes sink into the sand. Even when it's chilly, and you have to bundle up in your favorite pair of sweats, the smell of the ocean always seems to make cares and worries disappear.
Because of the carefree feeling I get, it never fails that I lose weight on vacation, despite the ridiculous amounts of food I eat. When I hear the seagulls screeching, the waves crashing and those upbeat calypso tunes, all of my stress seems to melt away. It doesn't get much better than listening to Bob Marley as you watch the salt-watery bubbles creep toward your dry towel.
Everything seems to be a bit more enjoyable during a vacation -- the food, the atmosphere and, more often than not, the weather. Naps on the beach are often the best naps, too. The wind from the ocean, combined with the heat from the sun, usually turns out to be the perfect temperature for a mid-day snooze.
But, sadly, when surrounding yourself with family and friends, and eating as much crab, lobster and shrimp that your tummy can handle, your trip is sure to fly by all too fast. Then we all must head back to reality, whether it be work or school, and build the stress back up so we can melt it off during our vacations to come.
For those who live somewhere that people usually go for vacation, lucky you. I'm sure the sand, surf and sun is no big deal to you, but just know there are some people (like me) who are jealous of your permanently sun-kissed skin and ability to stroll in the sand with a cocktail anytime you wish. But, then again, I've come to accept that it's often better to have the option of leaving after a few days, in order to avoid getting sick of the wonderfulness that is the beach.
When I find myself missing the sandy wonderland, I always look to the lakes and pools of Georgia to bring the fun and melt my stress away. I can just as easily sink my toes in some red, Georgia clay ... or dirt.
So, in the words of the Zac Brown Band, "Put my [butt] in a lawnchair, toes in the clay - not a worry in the world, a PBR on the way. Life is good today. Life is good today."
