School got out early and it was a gorgeous sunny and breezy early afternoon. Hubby was off work early, too. We put on our swimsuits and packed up a beach bag off we went to play at the beach. I never want the ocean to blend into the background of our life here. I want to appreciate it as much as I can with these kids as they grow up. I don’t want to take for granted that we have a nature-made playground to go to on any sunny Wednesday.
Afternoons like these are why we’ve made the choices we have to be here and live this life for almost 5 years now. For more family time, to spontaneously say yes to the things that matter, to soak up all the beauty of a March afternoon at the beach together.
I often have doubts – in the midst of everyday life and the pull of what “should” be, I question if we’re doing it right. If I should be doing more, earning more, putting other things first. Days like this remind me that this is why our family has chosen this path for us right now. So I can be here, with them, doing things like this. I will never look back and wish I’d been somewhere else that day.
looks simply blissful!!
as i just want our snow to melt – - –
enjoy!!
~h
[Reply]
Perfect.
We live where we do for much of the same reason – beautiful place, beautiful weather, beautiful people who believe in the things we believe in…although I wish we could transplant to the beach. That’d be even more beautiful.
[Reply]
I, too, often wonder if I am “in the right” by choosing to stay home and not earn any money. It’s the reminders that you are speaking of that are priceless, though. Time is fleeting. Stay in the moment and do your best to enjoy every minute of it!
[Reply]
This post made me long for other days when we lived in Hawaii 2005-2009, and then San Diego 2009-2010. I am freezing in Boston. Cherish these days. I totally know what you mean about the beach fading into the background. I grew up in San Diego. It is so easy to get caught up in the busy and not go to the “playground” all of the time.
[Reply]
Good for you for choosing to live in the moment! I certainly understand the tendency to allow your natural playground to fade into the background. We are surrounded by amazing natural resources here in Western Michigan – including Lake Michigan – and I am so happy to be able to take the kids for a spontaneous trip to the beach or State Park in the middle of a beautiful summer day.
We are blessed.
[Reply]
Beautiful.
[Reply]
Thank you for this post. It helps me keep my eye on making my dream still happen after 2 years of trying.
[Reply]
*sigh*
[Reply]
Congratulations!! Your children (and you) will always remember these years fondly.
[Reply]
Thank you so much for this post. I think we can question all the time if we are doing what is right. My husband left his job in November and we have been working like Dogs to start our own business. We know we are in the right place because we have peace.
This past week we took our kids for a 3 day trip to a hotel and pool which they loved. We couldn’t afford not to take them if you know what I mean.
I think if you love what you are doing, then the money little or a lot doesn’t matter so keep doing what you are doing and it will all work out.
Thanks for sharing this simply story about your day.
Jodi
[Reply]
Beautiful. Nothing is more valuable than enjoying your life & spending time with the ones you love.
[Reply]
Perhaps will be a game night since it is raining here on the east coast.
[Reply]
Spontaneously saying ‘yes’ to things that matter: I like that. Thanks for the post!
[Reply]
Thank you so much for all you share. I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now and I so appreciate your refreshing perspective. We are transitioning to a similar path ourselves. It’s crazy trying to get there, but it’s the posts like this one that remind me how much it’s worth. Hopefully, 4 months from now, I’ll have something similar to share. Thanks again!
[Reply]
Yes! Perfect!
For us it’s walking in the woods. Heading to the arboretum. Going camping.
Time with family.
Priceless.
Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
I ask myself the same questions, all the time. I love that you answered yourself with such wisdom & grace.
And the beach?!?! In March?!?!? *envy envy envy*
[Reply]
SO true! You will have no regrets! I’m in the process of cutting back on work, going full time to part time and it will be tough & tight, but so, so worth the sacrifice for moments like these! Thanks for this post. Makes me feel known.
[Reply]
yes, I have been having some of those same thoughts! bummer we don’t have a beach in the backyard
[Reply]
When my work hours are long, and I feel obligated to work more more more… it’s those moments when I choose to walk away that I treasure more.
Work won’t come visit me in my old age. I pray my boys will. Nurturing them, choosing them… always makes me feel better.
What a beautiful-sounding Wednesday afternoon.
[Reply]
Well said! Thank you for sharing this, being present for our families is the greatest gift we can give. Enjoy!
[Reply]
Amen, girl, amen!
[Reply]