Tag: beach

Find Your “Ocean”

by Mershon Niesner

Go to the ocean to calm down, to reconnect with the creator, to just be happy.  Nnedi Okorafor, Nigerian-American writer of fantasy and science fiction for children and adults.

I’m taking Nnedi’s advice. I’m writing my blog today from a tiki hut at the beach. It feels good. Breathing in and breathing out, feeling the breeze on my face, hearing the voices of children in the distance. It sounds like I’m sneaking in another mental health day but this is different. This morning was planned and is purposeful. 

You may not have a beach at your disposal (I know, I’m really lucky), but you do have a comfortable chair in a quiet corner. No? Well, what about driving your car to a quiet place and just sitting there for a few minutes if you need it? Find your “ocean,” reconnect with your creator, and just be happy.

Affirmation: I know how to calm myself.

Coaching questions/requests: Are you aware when you need to take a moment to calm down or are you so accustomed to chaos you are no longer aware? Take a scan of your mind and body. What do you notice? Respond accordingly.

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Heading to the Beach

by Mershon Niesner

The more often we see the things around us–even the beautiful and wonderful things–the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds–even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less. Joseph B. Wirthlin, American businessman, church leader

I’m determined to NOT fall into Mr. Wirthlin’s quote…I’m determined NOT to take the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds and especially those I love for granted. When we moved to beautiful Marco Island, I was determined NOT to take one of the country’s most beautiful beaches for granted. Crescent Beach is breath-taking. I literally shed a tear when I first catch site of its vast crescent beauty. But, it’s been weeks and weeks since I’ve been there. Mr. Wirthlin is winning and today I’m fighting back. I’m up early, before the heat of the day, so I can walk the beach. I will NOT take the beauty around me for granted…much less the people in my life!

So often we have regrets regarding the loss of those we love. We mostly regret taking them for granted. We regret the infrequent visits, the harsh words, or the lack of caring. Beware of falling into Mr. Wirthlin’s quote.

Affirmation: I pay attention to the beauty and people around me.

Coaching questions: What/who are you taking for granted? What can you do to change your behavior?