I have to be careful to avoid my house becoming like a walk-through instruction manual. I like inspirational quotes, a lot. And I hang them on our walls, quite often. Guests should factor some reading time into any visit.
One of the sayings I have on the wall is "The Sea is where I want to be." I love the ocean. I love oceanfront beaches. And the beaches alongside large lakes. Given a choice of travel destinations, I would prefer one that involves staying by "The Sea."
With all that being said, it must be noted that I don't live near an ocean, lake or anything else that could be descibed as a sea. So, my little saying becomes rather rueful. It suggests that all the time I'm not alongside water, I'd rather be somewhere else.
On the weekend, I was in an all-year Christmas store that offers decorative items that go way beyond that season. I found inspirational quotes, as usual, on various objects and also a section of ocean-themed decor items. I spent a lot of time in this store.
While a few quotes caught my eye, the one that left the biggest impression said, and I'm paraphrasing, that paradise is anywhere, it's up to you.
I believe that's true. We can worry and fret and complain in a beautiful setting or we can rejoice in less than ideal surroundings. Yes, I love the ocean. But I don't want to spend my life regretting that I don't live by it and wishing I was somewhere else. I hope to take trips, maybe some day I will even move to a waterfront location. I don't know. But I do know that making the best of life as it is, and where it is, is a good idea.
And by the way, on those visits to my house, after you're finished reading all the quotes, please spend some time looking at beach and waterfront pictures hanging on the walls. And enjoying the colours of sky and sand and sun. Yes, I really do love the sea.
JAHD
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