Thursday, January 12, 2012

resolution: more beach trips

beach trips
{playing on the beach last Sunday}

One of my top resolutions this year is to go to the beach more often. Why? Because the beach is generally awesome and is soothing to the soul, because I need more fresh air, because it is close and we are lucky to have it, and because it is a good way for the boys and I to spend time together on the weekends.

I'm so inspired by Lisa Leonard, who seems to stop by the beach spontaneously either alone or with her boys quite often. She doesn't seem bothered by the mess or inconvenience--she seems to make it happen in the natural course of her week or month and sometimes stays for just a short time--it doesn't necessarily have to be a big deal. I'm enchanted by this thought and I want to make it happen for our family.

In reality, I'm bothered by the cold, I'm not a big fan of sand in our shoes and clothes (especially after the fact), and I tend to make the inconvenience of packing and unpacking a beach bag more of a hassle then it needs to be. What I'm wanting to do this year is figure out work-arounds to make it easier to visit the beach and also to adjust my attitude so I emphasize the positive more than the parts I don't like. I want to figure out my beach bag, shoes that I enjoy wearing on the beach, something to wear that keeps me warm enough but is reasonably light in weight, how to unpack easily and not make too big a deal about it. And I want to figure out some places to easily stop for the beach (mostly we just visit my parents and walk down to the beach from their house, because they live so close, but I want to discover and explore some other beaches too).

beach trips

Hopefully I'll be updating throughout the year as I work on my goal!

beach trips

*By the way, I don't know Lisa (except from reading her blog). I'm just so inspired by her positive attitude and approach to life. She gives me a lot to think about!

6 comments:

Diane said...

If it makes you feel any better, whenever I read *your* blog and see *your* trips to the beach , woods or mountains I always think 'I must get outside with the boys more, and not be put off by the cold/the mess/the inconvenience...'
Your beach pictures today look great!

Chelsey said...

I am the same way! I do love it when we are at the beach, but the thought of getting everything together to go and the clean up afterward usually deters me. I think I will work on the same resolution!

Chris said...

Go to the beach more often was on my resolution list, too, and we often don't go for the same reasons.
For me, it helps if we go on a day when I know the boys need a bath anyways, so they enjoy the sand/water and hop right in the tub afterwards.

Val said...

Ok, the beach again! I'm just jealous!! ;)

Kelly said...

Going to the beach...what a dreamy and beautiful resolution. I love that you are resolving to enjoy something so wonderful that is so close at hand. I will be vicariously enjoying the beach with you all year, from very flat and land-locked Ohio. I suppose I could enjoy some expansive corn fields for you. ;)

Melissa Nichols said...

One of my resolutions is to comment more on my 10 favorite blogs. I think it's good to let people know that you appreciate and enjoy their musings ;o)