Aloha Moana - - Hello Ocean!

I often wonder if in a past life I lived by the ocean and surfed everyday.  Surfing has been something Zoe and I have talked about since we were very small.  Our obsession with the ocean, having never been there until our 20's, was that of a fantasy.  Maybe it was what the ocean represented to us... almost like a fairytale.  Growing up we use to tell people we were Hawaiian and most believed us... our dark features and tan skin always raised questions of where we came from.  We never liked to wear socks and preferred bare feet.. still do to this day.

The first time we saw the ocean, we were amazed.  The smell, the taste, the waves.. everything about it was exactly as I had imagined.  I felt like I belonged there and I never wanted to leave.  Still to this day the beach is my absolute favourite place.  I feel that it is a place where I am most comfortable.. most relaxed.. most like me...  

Although I have only surfed a few times, it was something Zoe and I picked up quite quickly... the natural feeling of the wave pushing you forward and pulling you up.  It is so exhilarating.  Every time I got out into the ocean and surfed a wave, I felt infinite!  

I often think about moving someplace like Hawaii, buying a small house, opening a surf shop and living a simple life.  I would never wear socks again ;)  Surfing would become a daily routine and the ocean would be my safe haven.  

One of the things I love most about the ocean is how mysterious it is.  There is so much yet to be discovered and so many beautiful creatures live there.  I read somewhere that the ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface yet more than 95 percent of the underwater world remains unexplored.  How crazy is that?  

As you know from reading my blog, I am a sucker for quotes and one of my favourite ones is: "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!"  Life is crazy and unpredictable.  Shit happens that we can't control but having dreams, ambitions, and happy thoughts can help you get through the rough times.  

When life throws me lemons and curve balls I think of the ocean and what it represents to me.  If I had access to some gnarly waves when I was feeling stressed.. I feel like my troubles would disappear once I hoped on a board.  But because my life doesn't involve an ocean, the beach is the next best thing.  When I feel overwhelmed or stressed I sit in the sand and think.  For some reason, I always leave feeling refreshed and happier.    

So, next time you feel overwhelmed with the crazy "waves" in life, venture to the beach.  Listen to the water and just relax... Think about the life you are blessed with and the beauty of that moment will help you realize life isn't that scary after all!  

Heavy heart...

Today I decided I wanted to write a blog post.  I had a topic in mind and I was ready to just write.  But then I heard the tragic news of the Boston Marathon and I realized my venting over something so trivial was pointless.  My heart is so heavy for those involved.  Tragedy such as this one and the Newtown shooting really makes me question humanity and unfortunately my faith.  Don't get me wrong, I believe in God.. at least in some form.  But I question how a greater being can allow innocent people to be faced with such tragic events.

Children are the most innocent souls and deserve a chance to live.  They don't deserve to have their last memory be one of fear.

I know I say this ALL the time, but life is so unpredictable and so short.  Just the other day I attended a funeral to celebrate a life of a young man who got caught up in the evil world of addictions.  His life was taken from him too soon and right at the time that he was ready to get the help he needed.  It just seems unfair.

I've been trying to live my life doing all the things I love and with the people I love.  I have been trying to not get caught up in negativity and trying to stay positive.  Some days are harder than others.. especially when you hear of such tragedies.  But during these sad times, we have to remember the value of our lives.  Do we want to spend the last day in a fight with a friend or family member or being stressed out about something at work??

I believe that everyday we get to wake up, we are blessed.  Everyday we go to work, we are blessed.  Rain, snow, sunshine, no matter what weather, we are alive.

So I ask that anyone who reads this, remember how it is a privilege for you to be here right now.  Don't take that for granted.  Instead of stressing, be happy that you are living.

Don't get caught up in gossip, drama, and negativity.  It's not worth it.  People will talk, people will judge... It is up to ourselves to not let it get to us and not to get involved in it.  Don't allow anyone to control your life... you are the one behind the wheel.  Make sure you go in the direction that makes you happy.