There’s nothing I like more than grabbing my camera, heading outdoors and getting lost in my own little world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen as much as I’d like it to. Being self-employed and working from home a lot of the time, it can get pretty lonely. And even though I know it would do me the world of good to get out and about – I feel guilty if I take time out during the week.
So last weekend when Ian was working up in Blackpool I decided to go with him. I grabbed my camera and headed down to the beach to clear my head. I’ve always loved the sea and even though Blackpool is where Ian’s parents live, I rarely go over. During the season it’s a big no, no, as it’s a massive cheese fest of stag and hen weekends. But out of season, early in the morning, a walk along with prom is something I really like.
I think the tide was on its way out. All the signs and chains were up warning people not to head down onto the beach – but there’s always a walkway that seems to be unlocked. Once down on the beach, I breathed a sigh of relief and looked out towards the ocean. I spent a couple of years living in Hull, and being surrounded by so many coastal towns was a dream. Sometimes I would just drive around visiting different beaches. Even if the weather was bad and blowing a gale – I didn’t care. I would wrap up warm, put my hood up and get as close to the sea as possible. I would stand there looking out into nothing, feeling so small – and I loved it. It was the place I used to go to think, when I wanted to be alone and put things into perspective. I could stay there for hours. Listening to music, writing or just sitting in stillness.
The thing I realised on Saturday is that I shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time out. To take the time to just be, is when the creativity, inspiration and enthusiasm begins to ooze out of every pore, which is something I should welcome with open arms.
Here’s to more days at the beach.
Happy Thursday
xoxo
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