This Is My New Jersey

Last week my husband and I took our first extended vacation in probably close to a decade. It was actually the longest vacation we had since our honeymoon. Where did we go, you might ask? Down the shore, of course.

I am fully aware of the insanity that took place last weekend. Thankfully, we were already in our room when it hit the fan in Wildwood. And yes, I will say I was incredibly disappointed issues have moved beyond the boundaries of Seaside Heights and the melee made it as far south as Wildwood. However, despite all the issues I have with my state, I have been, and always will be, a Jersey Girl.

Listening to the Waves

We all know the 130 miles of shoreline we have is special. Going down the shore is not only a right of passage in our state; it played an incredibly important role in our nation’s founding. And people from everywhere flock to our shoreline every summer. The healing properties of the ocean are just magical for me.

What did I want to do? Walk on the shore, listen to the waves, and stare at the sand looking for rocks and shells. That’s it. And I think those of us that live in New Jersey are incredibly lucky. Yes, despite the high taxes, a political system that is so corrupt it is laughable, and sadly that Snookie just won’t leave, there’s nowhere else I would rather live. After all, you know why Jersey is so crowded? Everyone wants to live here.

But I digress…

As I walked on the beach, I was able to free my mind of all the clutters it on a daily basis. I was able to listen to what the waves were trying to tell me, but I never had the clarity to listen. If you allow it, the ocean can teach you life lessons. And those lessons will probably be different for each person. I walked quietly and listened. The beach was almost completely empty. It was a rare quiet moment; one many of us do not have often enough.

So I urge you to take at least take a daytrip down the shore and walk along the waterline. And see what the waves are trying to tell you.