We are on a semi-family vacation, which means the entire family is not here - we're missing one, unfortunately. Our first stop on our escape from the everyday rat race placed us in a B&B set right on the ocean. The sites were few, unless you were to count the stars that lit the night sky, the sea oats blissfully billowing in the wind, the beautiful white sand, shells galore, beautiful stingrays and the sounds of the non-stop roaring of the ocean. Though air conditioning was available to us, we ignored it. All computers were shut off, as well as telephones and we melted into the life that has come to be for the last several days.
I consider it a chance encounter that on a side table at the B&B there was a book. Having brought three rather large books I wasn't looking for another, even as small as this one seemed. Mistaken or not, I ultimately picked it up, leaving those other packed books for another day. I had found a treasure and one I hope to share with my own two girls. Anne Morrow Lindbergh had written this book, entitled Gift from the Sea. Serendipitous is the word I have used to describe the finding of this book at just this time.
Anne understood mothers. And she understood the feeling of purposelessly giving of oneself. She should have, she was a mother and names the fractures that happen to us, as women, when we neglect ourselves. Why is it that we give and give to our children, husbands, friends, committees and busy activities without consideration for ourselves? When is it that we make quiet time for ourselves and why if we do is it such a secret?
I find myself reading this very small book of less than 130 pages exceptionally slowly...I savor it. Like Anne, I recharge at the ocean - I love every minute detail of the experience. Yes, though the teen calls for shopping sprees at the closest of malls and distractions happen, I make it a point to listen to my own inner voice and note the need for purposeful regeneration. This book yet again reminds me that I sometimes run too far off balance and act purposelessly. I try to explain to my teen the importance of learning this lesson early - rather, I show her by taking her arm and arm to walk the beach, with no destination in mind...only to listen for what the mind and heart have to whisper and to have the courage to heed our own internal advice.
Sighs of joy and quiet moments which are easily forgiven in this atmosphere; the here and now. The secret will ultimately be in listening, learning and ultimately taking home with me what will work for our family.
