Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.
Lemony Snicket
Reading, reading, reading. It grows the mind, expands thinking, develops insights and helps us think differently. Goodreads asked The question “what’s your favorite summertime reading spot?” Readers chimed in excitedly. Here I share:
Of Books, Places and Reading
Sea front
Patio
On the beach
In a tent while it rains
Outdoors while listening to the birds
Under the big oak tree
At the summerhouse
Coffee house
RV while camping across provinces
On a balcony
Sneak away for an hour in my car
On a boat on a lake
On a chair by the pond
While driving – audiobooks
Airplane
Hammock
Pool
Beach
Picnic blanket
Bed
Nook
Wow, what a list! Yet there’s more. Where is your favorite place? Do share. We would love to hear.
By the sea I couldn’t wait to be. To sit causally on the sand. Me, towel, book and birds all in one as the mighty waves thundered and splashed against the seashore. The weather forecasted it would be the coldest day of the season. Disappointment soared at the spoilt prospect yet still I was determined to chill (literally).
I sat still gazing in the distance. Cold yet relaxed. It was as if there was not a care in the world. I watched the little bird hunt its food fighting against the rushing waves as it eroded the shore. “Give up,” I shouted. But it didn’t as it tried again and again to grab another peck, and another peck. It’s little body was no match for the cold windy weather, but it was yet to give up.
That Smile
That smile… my smile, as usual with it’s pleasantries drew in passersby. Many waved hello and flashed smiles in turn. Then along came an aged one. She spilt her life story in 20 long minutes. Deflecting, I was pleased to have been there to allow her tales of melancholy. A journey of sickness, travel and friendships throughout the years. Amidst her quiet tears and outstretched arms, a flash hug ensued (but alas what of Covid?!) she eventually walked on.
As the sun set, what more could I ask for? A late January evening of peace and quiet. Distant laughter reigned from sultry beach lovers against the sounds as the mighty sunset waves splashed!
Do it again I mused. Tis pure bliss of memories made in tow.
Ever wondered how even the thought of the beach makes you feel relaxed? I reflect on a holiday when my family and I spent some time in the islands with a getaway at the beach enjoying the beautiful sunrise and sunset while avoiding the thought of the icy snow. It was a relaxing feeling that I wished could be brought to many during the Christmas snowy season.
I pondered more and decided to reflect on the reasons the beach is an answered prayer. Here I share 4 benefits as gleaned from Christina Heiser.
The Blue Color
The color blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace while staring at the ocean puts us into a mild meditative state that enhances creativity. The perfect place for me as I write. The book My Safe Place serves as evidence
A writer’s dream getaway comes through with Travel & Leisure’s recommendation of The 5 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Florida! And guess what? One of them happens to be in my backyard! Often I have been guilty of traveling far for the all inclusive getaway experience. Travel and Leisure takes me back to my native island of Jamaica where none beats the all inclusive concept in any of the Caribbean islands. There you will find white Sandy beaches. Tons of drinks usher your presence in a welcoming gala on arrival and throughout your hotel stay. Such include the Jewel Resorts, Sandals, Beaches, Half Moon and tons more.
Getaway To Write
I love to getaway to write, to relax amidst the beauty and safety of the beach shores. Now I commit to trying the concept right here in my backyard. Will get back with the results as I go to my safe place to bask in the beauty of Florida’s sand, seas and shores.
3 Writing Resorts
Oh and by the way, 3 of the Resorts named were:
Bungalows Key Largo, Florida Keys
Club Med Sand Piper Bay, Port St. Lucie
Trade Winds Island Resorts, St Pete Beach
Start planning to get your writing on. Need help? Lets connect.
The sea. The beach. The waves. It’s my safe place. I never want to leave. I sit coiled at the edge of the lazy beach chair, gazing in melancholy at the morning’s sunrise. All is still as time stops. As the sun began its heated quest, I sat pensively not wanting to leave.
Still fast asleep there’s no one in sight. Just me, as the waves batter the shore. My heart tugs as I long to rid life’s woeful work-related stress. I just want to stay to listen to nature’s quest. In quietness is where the heaven’s awake and gives me the strength to reach forward to start a new day, a new chapter, a time of serenity. I pray that I’ll listen as the spirit quietly leads, guides and directs my path.
In stillness is where I find my strength. Strengthen me lord, strengthen me. Speak and make me listen.
I was asked to write about my favorite space to share with a visiting friend. I must confess that my love of nature transcends everything. It provides inspiration and a peace that boosts my writing prowess. That said, as my friend Chrissie comes for a 5-Day-visit, I will steal away to the island that captivates. None other than Captiva Island in Sunny Florida. It is a place I getaway to whenever I need to relax and unwind. When you get to Captiva Island, it feels like you are away from all the worries and cares of the world. Indeed the perfect distraction. The rooms overlook the bay or garden, your choice dependent on your budget.
Once I hosted a group business session at the end of the year to this ideal place. The goal was to reflect about plans for the new year with entrepreneurs and career changers. Suffice it to say, the two-day retreat and planning session went well … with participants so relaxed that it provided the right spot to add a bit of future gazing.
Back to my friend. Chrissie is an entrepreneur. So I figured that would be the ideal getaway place for her. Not only is she guaranteed to relax all week, there is no doubt the time would go by in a flash through this envious plan.
5-Day Getaway Plan
Day 1: Road trip to Captiva Lunch at Wicked Wings, a low-keyed hole in the wall pub that satisfies starving travelers before hitting the road to their final destination
Day 2: Relax in the Sun, Sand, Sea engulfed in a delightful adventure riding the waves
Day 3: Spa Day – Body massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi, a sure rejuvenation for the exhausted
Day 4 Shopping and Late dinner at the Harbor Side Bar and Grill
Day 5 Early morning beach wet. Late breakfast followed by reluctant afternoon ride back to the fast life.
Where’s your favorite getaway space? Do share. We would love to hear!
Spending time alone is one of my absolute pleasures. I’m sure I’m not alone. You may also like to do that as well. A few years ago I shared that I had some planning to do and decided on a whim to jump into my car and drive to the beach. A few hours later, I had mapped out plans for my top goals for the rest of the year! yea! I left feeling totally satisfied to get things done! What seemed like an drilling exercise turned out to be quite productive, in a serene atmosphere.
Self-Care
Jo Chunyan shared a list of things do alone. I decided to pull my top 15 to share.
Journal. Write up a list of things you would love to do. Declare your dreams and intentions or simply empty out all your thoughts into your notebook.
Spend a day at a museum or art gallery
Meditate – sit. Be still and devote time to listen to your spiritual thoughts. Breathe.
Have dinner on your own in a nice restaurant – take time to really enjoy the food
Go for a walk and enjoy breathing the fresh air
See a film at a cinema on your own
Rearrange your wardrobe and discover old clothes again.
Donate old clothes, books and furniture. Make room for the new by clearing out the old.
Go somewhere in the city where you have never been
Give yourself a mini retreat weekend…eat healthy food, go for a massage, spoil yourself and really relax!
Sip a cup of tea and look out the window
Be Athletic. Go for a jog or walk on the beach. Breathe in the salty sea breeze and watch the waves lick the shore.
Study. Sign up for an online course in any topic you have an interest in and learn something new
Take a photo to depict each hour of your day
Travel on your own. Learn something new about yourself.
Ever wondered how even the thought of the beach makes you feel relaxed? I reflect on a holiday when my family and I spent some time in the islands with a getaway at the beach enjoying the beautiful sunrise and sunset while avoiding the thought of the icy snow. It was a relaxing feeling that I wished could be brought to many during the Christmas snowy season.
I pondered more and decided to reflect on the reasons the beach is an answered prayer. Here I share 4 benefits as gleaned from Christina Heiser.
The Blue Color
The color blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace while staring at the ocean puts us into a mild meditative state that enhances creativity. The perfect place for me as I write. The book My Safe Place serves as evidence
2. The Sound’s Ebb and Flow
The quiet sounds that the waves, emit slows us down and causes us to relax and feel more engaged.
3. The Smell
The beach scent and the ocean breeze causes us to relax into a sooth state as we breathe in the fresh air.
4.The Sand’s Touch
Touching the sand creates a warm and fuzzy feeling which leads us to quiet relaxation.
So there we have it. Next time you want a quick getaway, make it the beach. Go listen to the sound, the smell, the touch and bask in immense relaxation that only the quiet waters provide. While there, reflect on the year past and create plans for the future.
Live near the beach? Grab your swimsuits and go enjoy the slow swooshing sound of the waves as they crash against the shore.
Anne Gherini shared in this INC article research about the benefits of going to the beach (as if we needed another reason …smile). From the points listed, here I share my top 3.
Listen to the crashing waves puts your brain at ease
Feel the sand between your toes as it stimulates your mind
Remove the Blues. Stare at the ocean and get to that relaxing meditative State.
In this world of mad rush, stress and strain, plan a trip or two to the beach for a quick getaway. Then bask in the Benefits to relax, unwind, reboot. Your Brain cells are sure to recharge pushing you further along the Skewed productivity chain.
What is your favorite activity when you grab that delightful book, and get lost in its world of Imagination? Barnes and Noble asked the question. Is it a cup of tea? Your pet? A cozy chair? Foreign? What’s your perfect reading companion?
Here I share excerpts of those who enthusiastically shared their favs.
Rain, snacks, home alone, quiet
A cloudy or rainy day
Tea and chunky blanket
Dog, a blanket, and Earl Grey
My bed
Reading with a nice cup of ice tea
A warm blanket and the sound of the rain
A cosy chair with a cup of tea and a cat curled in lap
