Here is an inspirational winter story to cheer you up: All last week, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beach. And talking about the beach. (If you’re one of the poor souls I cornered into discussing the many wonders of the seashore, I apologize!)
READ MORE: 5 Winter Prayers to Keep You Positive
My beach talk was inspired by the weather we’d been having in New York, which varied from don’t-you-dare-leave-the-house cold to your-hair-will-never-forgive-you rain. Through it all, I couldn’t help but dream of summers at Coney Island. Weekends spent relaxing in a beach chair, soaking up the sun and contemplating the next ice-cream cone.
Those days are a long way off. But on Wednesday of last week, when the weather finally cleared, I jumped at the chance to walk outside umbrella-free. I wasn’t really sure where to walk during my hour-long lunch break until the South Street Seaport popped into my mind. It’s just a short walk from the office and, although it was chilly out, it seemed to call out to me.
The more I walked, the better the weather got. By the time I made it to the seaport, the sun was really shining. I spotted a ramp by the water that appeared to lead to a sun deck. I walked up it and was floored by the view that greeted me. The Brooklyn Bridge in all its glory. There were Adirondack chairs strategically positioned all over the deck to take in the postcard-like scene.
I made myself comfortable in one of the chairs, then stretched out my legs and closed my eyes for a minute, soaking up the sun. That’s when I realized I was doing exactly what I would’ve done if I were at the beach. Except, of course, I was wearing a big, puffy winter coat and there was no ice cream in sight!
Still, the thought filled me with happiness. You never know what wonder awaits you after a storm. Like a beach day in the middle of winter in the middle of a work day in the middle of New York City.
Do you have your own inspirational winter story that keeps you warm this winter?
