Our bellies full from dinner, we snuggled into our (amazing queen size) sleeping bag squirming to find a place where the rocks fit our bodies. After a few failed attempts, we finally found comfort and began to leave the rush of city life behind, listening to peepers peeping, waves crashing and our breath relaxing. Snuggled into my man’s side, it wasn’t long until the rise and fall of his chest seemed to match the tumbling waves and sleep took over- outside, under the stars, with no tent and best of all, no stress.
This was Friday night, and a really wonderful start to the weekend. There was no moonlight but the stars were bright and prior to dozing off, I gazed into infinity. I checked in with myself and realized I feeling grateful, especially for my boyfriend who has put up with my stressed little body with so much love and patience.
Like many people, I found myself working full time one day and jobless the next. I was terrified, angry, stressed and a dozen other emotions. Hopeful at first, I dove into the job search full force. Plenty of interviews but even more no responses, the experience of searching for a job with millions of others started to slowly wear down my confidence, outlook and happiness.
I still found joy in some things but I was quieter, sleepier, moodier and defeated. I wanted to escape, go anywhere, be anywhere else but in this city that turned my life upside down. Perhaps that’s a bit over the top, after all, I was unhappy at my job but I had the same routine and it was comfortable, and if nothing else, reliable. Realizing that scampering off to another city would still leave me jobless (at least temporarily); it was time to burry my ego, and with that I got a job. Sure, it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life but at 23 years old, I’m not worried that it will be.
Back on the beach, time had stopped in this peaceful moment. Laying and listening to the rocks tumble down after each wave, slowly being shaped and polished, I found a message. Just roll with it. When you’re suddenly pushed out of your comfort zone, realize that it is an opportunity to shape and polish yourself. These changes may be small and take time but eventually you’ll notice you’re a gem, just like the rocks that shimmer in the tide.