My Happy Place

This morning as I was sitting on our fourth floor balcony, peacefully listening to the waves crash onto shore, and sipping my morning coffee, I welcomed this gorgeous day. The sun was just beginning to peak out over the horizon, leaving behind vibrant rays of pink and orange sunlight. Another beautiful day in St. Augustine had arrived.

This is my happy place.

At the moment, I am sitting on the balcony again eating my lunch after a beach filled morning. My morning was filled with seashell hunting on my morning walk, a little sun bathing, and a sense of freedom I have never experienced before.

 The plants are bright green, flowers are in full bloom, the air smells of salt water and freshly cut grass, and the locals appear to live in a much slower, relaxed state of mind. Yesterday I literally did not move from my beach chair for at least four hours straight. Why would I ever want to leave?

Before we left for this trip, I jokingly told my parents that I do not plan on joining them on the returning flight home. After a day of nothing but lounging in my sun tanning chair yesterday, however, I realize that I might not have been joking at all. Ten-ish years ago, upon returning home from St. Augustine for a spring break trip, as we got off the plane in Michigan, there was snow on the ground and temperatures were well below freezing. Instantly, I turned to my dad and questioned, "Why would anyone in their right mind want to live here?"

My family has been coming to St. Augustine over spring break for many years. It may not be the absolute best vacation spot in the world, but it does hold a special place in our hearts. 

This is the first year I have truly allowed myself to notice the beauty surrounding me. On my morning walk I was not consumed with thoughts of how many calories I needed to burn or repeatedly counting the calories I had eaten. I found myself stopping to take pictures of seashells and paying attention to the direction of the tide. There is no doubt the locals could tell I was a tourist, but I didn't care. 

I was enjoying myself. That's all that matters.

Today I find myself overwhelmed with joy. Recovery really can be a beautiful thing.

Progress.