My time at the beach has been exactly what I needed, even though it has not been exactly what I had planned.

Now I could easily beat myself up for all I have not done while here at the beach. All I thought I needed to do. All I had planned to do: Lots of journaling. Create my vision board. Do some water coloring, painting, drawing.

I’ve not felt creative at all. I sit down to try to get inspired – and nothing. I’ve collected some rocks and shells. I’ve walked The Strand each day and taken a lot of photos. I’ve done some reading and a little bit of writing. Oh – and I’m eating far better than I was at home.

There have been days with clouds and days with sunshine. Beautiful sunsets and amazing cloud formations. And the ocean right there in front of me with all its magnificence.

It was crowded here on the weekend, but such a lovely quiet space on the weekdays. And my walks along the beach have been healing. Especially when I have Sheila with me. She’s a magnet for friendly people to stop and chat while giving her some love.

I’ve had nights of restful sleep. But even after a night with very little sleep when Sheila wasn’t feeling well, I was able to rest and replenish myself easily the next day.

This trip was a gift from Jim. While we kept our assets separate, Jim put me on the title of his truck and travel trailer. We had so many plans to use them, but since he was no longer able to drive the truck or get into the trailer they sat unused while we dealt with his health issues. He wanted me to have the option to travel on my own with them or sell them and use those funds to travel. I didn’t think I would be able to manage his big truck and a 29 foot trailer, so I opted to sell them. The dealer took his truck back and wrote me a check. The trailer is still sitting there for now. Thank you, my Jim. I miss  you.

So I’m not going to worry about all that I did not do while here – because as I face the final days before having to leave this beautiful space, I feel good. Rested. At peace. And ready to return home and do some of the tasks I have been putting off. Maybe even do something creative. Or maybe not. I’m going to give myself some grace on all of this.

My time here was not wasted. Not at all.

There’s been an added bonus from this trip that I hadn’t expected. It has shown me that I’m just not cut out to make a cross-country driving trip alone at my age. I want to do some exploring, some travel, but the drive from Vegas to the beach wiped me out. And it was only 5 hours. While I’m not anxious to get back on a plane after my last excursion, I’ll keep that open and may also look at train options or tour companies who will do the driving for me.