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This past week I made it into the ocean five of seven mornings as part of a commitment to self-care.
Some days the bed was incredibly persuasive.
But on the days I chose the ocean, I came home feeling lighter, energized, and more connected to myself.
The best part is the whole experience is just a ten-minute ride from my home, easily accessible, right in my backyard, like my own little sunrise bike-thru.
One morning on my ride to the beach, a dear friend sent me a short reflection on surrender to listen to. Not surrender as giving up, but surrender as gently releasing emotional waters we carry inside ourselves – old hurts, old stories, old triggers.
It had me thinking about how often we spend so much of our lives trying to calm and control the ocean around us, when we might actually help is getting the water out of our own boat.
When I arrived at the beach, the water was transparent, almost translucent, completely still, warm like bath water. One lone boat rested in the sunrise.
I put on my snorkel mask, planning to cruise not far from the first stretch of coral reef.
As I floated, I realized that’s what these mornings have become for me.
A gentle rinsing.
A chance to clear the windshield of my mind so I can see what’s actually here instead of looking through yesterday’s worries. My way of releasing the emotional waters in my own boat.
As I swam, something unexpected happened, where just a couple of feet away, a spotted eagle ray appeared. It glided silently past me in the opposite direction, enormous and effortless, its brilliant white spots shimmering beneath the water like stars, like an enormous butterfly flying beneath the sea.
I’d never had a close encounter with a spotted eagle ray before. The moment has stayed with me all week.
It made me wonder how often life is offering us quiet miracles, or remarkable people, and we’re simply looking somewhere else. Or staying in bed.
And I found myself wondering how many of life’s greatest gifts are already within our reach… waiting for us to make just enough room to receive them.
That’s one of the reasons I love creating spaces where people slow down enough to really notice one another.
Twice a month I host Meet, Mingle & Magic, an online gathering for lesbian and queer women.
Through stories, thoughtful prompts, my Manatee Lesbian Love & Connection Cards, and other playful ways of weaving people together, we create space for conversations that go a little deeper than the surface.
If part of your own self-care is longing for more authentic community, more meaningful conversations, or simply getting into the waters with other growth-minded lesbian and queer women, I’d love to welcome you into the space.
You never know who you might meet. Or what beautiful friendship, insight, laughter, or sense of belonging might quietly glide into your life because you decided to show up.
And… I’ll end with a question to reflect on…
What is one small commitment you could make to yourself this week?
One that helps clear the windshield just a little. One that makes a little more room for wonder.
You never know what or who might quietly glide into view.
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