The Healing Power of the Beach

For as long as I can remember, bodies of water have soothed me.

Perhaps this is a result of growing up in Southern California. For many years, when adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my response was generally, “Beach bum.” And, it wasn’t solely because I was a smart-ass. I was one, but this was an honest answer. During my childhood, I spent many wonderful days at Laguna Beach.

However, after becoming an adult, I realized my beach bum dream had been that all along. Every day, I have to do some type of adulting, and it’s infuriating.

When I start to feel overwhelmed, the desire to see a river, pond, lake, or ocean intensifies.

A couple of weekends ago, after I finished formatting the I Heart Lesfic sale, I announced, “I need the beach.”

We hopped into a Zipcar and drove to Cape Cod. Given that it was March and Covid is still raging in Massachusetts, we didn’t expect any restaurants to be open. No, our destination was the beach, and for a glorious hour, we strolled on the sand, listening to the waves breaking. It was cold, but it didn’t bother me.

By the time we returned to the car, the weight that’d been pressing down on my shoulders felt lighter.

The day after, I had to compile all my tax paperwork for my accountant.

I really wish being a grown-up didn’t have to be so adult-y.

About TBM

TB Markinson is an American who's recently returned to the US after a seven-year stint in the UK and Ireland. When she isn't writing, she's traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in New England, or reading. Not necessarily in that order. Her novels have hit Amazon bestseller lists for lesbian fiction and lesbian romance. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast (lesbianswhowrite.com) with Clare Lydon. TB also runs I Heart Lesfic (iheartlesfic.com), a place for authors and fans of lesfic to come together to celebrate lesbian fiction.
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2 Responses to The Healing Power of the Beach

  1. The Guat says:

    Heyyyyyyyy good to see you again. Got a new site and everything. Well probably not new for you, but just discovered it. Glad that you are doing well and visiting the beach, and still being creative. Adulting is hard. But I know you this. Sending you good vibes!

    • TBM says:

      Howdy! I do miss the Pacific beach, so I’m counting on you to say hello to it for me. Hope all is well on your side!

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