The intentional roamer: What brings you joy?
I feel so very fortunate to have had access to multiple beaches over the past few weeks. Each one has its own unique charm but there’s one that calls to me more than the others. It’s the one I visit most mornings with my dog Bebe. Sometimes we even return for a second round in the afternoon. The experience varies as the light, wind, and sky change throughout the day.
There’s something magical about starting the day at the beach. The sound of the waves and the wide-open sky work together to soften whatever rough edges I may be carrying. The water has such a calming effect on me.
One of my most recent morning beach visits brought me so much joy. It was the kind that fills your whole being and catches you off guard. I felt instantly happy. A big, genuine smile appeared on my face. I sat down right there in the sand, grounded and present, and let myself soak it all in.
I don’t go to the beach seeking joy—at least not consciously. I go because it feels good. I go because it brings me peace. And yet, in those moments when I’m not striving or reaching or trying to make something happen, joy shows up. It appears right in front of me. I just have to notice it.
That’s the beautiful thing about joy. We don’t have to chase it. We don’t have to manufacture it or control the conditions. If we’re open, it will find us.
Take a listen to “What brings you joy?”