I’ve always prided myself on being an “in the trees” kind of girl. Growing up with close proximity to the Laurentians and New England, we spent time at cottages in the woods, by lakes and the smell of pine needles. Then we moved to California, and I absolutely fell in love with Tahoe. I love to spend my time hiking and running on the trails, especially in the Fall. In the Winter, you know you can find my family in and out of trees on the ski hills.
Whenever anyone asked would I rather live at the beach or in the woods, I always said woods. That is, until just recently. My family and I had the opportunity to live at the beach for three months. Every night, we would fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Every day, I would have the patio doors open in order to smell the ocean air. Any chance, I had to go out on the beach and walk in the sand I did. What I noticed was that whether it was the first time walking out on the beach or the 30th time, I felt the same. Instantly relaxed, mesmorized, and able to take a full, complete, deep breath – no matter what was going on in my day.
As someone who is currently battling anxiety, this ability to take me from 60 to 0 in a matter of minutes, was incredible. It has become a tool in my toolbox that I didn’t even know I needed or had!
Does that mean I’m abandonning my love for the pine needles?! HECK NO! Just like there are so many amazing shades of grey, there is room for a beautiful combination of Vitamin Sea and Pine Needles in my life. And now that I’ve experienced both, I know I need both.
So instead of asking people if they are a beach or mountain person, I will be asking them what is their favorite part of each landscape. I am willing to bet that most of us need a little of each in our lives!