Where Are You?

There's something magical about the ocean... The way the tide rises, the waves roll and wind blows, but what we don't see is what's most magical of all... the ocean is full of untamed magic, just waiting to be discovered.

In a world where we can be anything, do anything and have the freedom to live our lives with our dreams at the center of it all; why do we settle when it comes to where we choose to live?

Let's start with an important question - Where are you? (...And I don't mean geographically.) The majority of people are afraid of change, scared of the unknown and terrified of what may go wrong... but what we need to remember, is that this precious life is a one way trip... and there are no pit stops or u-turns. My advice is to be who you want to be, do what you want to do, love who you want to love, and live where you want to live. It sounds so simple, but as we all know, this is anything but simple. Sadly, most people end up settling into a dead end job, remaining in a love-less relationship, and end up living a life of regret and depression. That is not living....that is existing. Life doesn't have to be that way, it shouldn't be that way, and you have the power to prevent it from becoming your reality. 

Have you ever wondered why people choose retreat to beaches when deciding on a vacation destination? Is it because they are warm, beautiful and breathtaking? Yes... But there's an entirely different reason that not many people take time to think about. It's the atmosphere. The atmosphere contributes to the "vacation" aspect, and why we feel so rejuvenated, relaxed and happy while on vacation. And the reason the atmosphere is so special is because of the people and their strong sense of community in these destinations. 

The people who live near our oceans enjoy such a different lifestyle. It's much more relaxed, slower paced, and is without a doubt, the way we were meant to live. If you're in the city, in the valley or anywhere too far from the bright blue oceans we were meant to enjoy... life begins to get a hold of you, and you begin to live your life for the city, and not for yourself. Essentially, what happens is life becomes much less beautiful and much more stressful. 

Think about the fact that the majority of life on earth is aquatic - in fact ninety-four percent of the earths living species exist within our oceans; yet less than five percent of the planet's oceans have been explored. Isn't that interesting? Doesn't that spark curiosity and a longing to know more about our planet, and what else is out there? Branch out, and spend a few months living in a beach town... trust me, you won't regret it. You will learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. I always say the ocean gives me life... and now that phrase has a literal meaning too! Over seventy percent of the planet's oxygen is produced by the ocean. It literally keeps us alive.

The idea that the location in which you live directly reflects your happiness is not necessarily a realistic thought. At the end of the day- watching the sun set on a beach or not- if you are depressed, you'll feel depressed. However, improving your atmosphere will significantly improve your quality of life- and in turn, allow you to live your dreams and thrive in the location that you choose. 

So tell me... where are you?