Peace be with you

I have everything I need-sunblock, sunglasses, and a cute hat.   It’s is just a little after 7am on the gulf coast of Florida and it is already 75 degrees. I have the top down on my little white convertible and I am heading to my favorite spot, the beach. I can’t think of a better way to start the day than a walk on Vanderbilt beach in Naples, Florida. I arrive and discover I have the beach to myself. I slide off my sandals and wander down to the water’s edge. The soothing sound of the waves rolling in and the warmth of sun has a calming effect on me. I take a deep breath and a peace comes over me.  Gone is any anxiety of my new job, the angst of the global pandemic, and the challenges of every day life. 

After a long walk, I decide to make my way over to the Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/naples/naples-beach to grab a coffee and croissant. I am still comforted by the lobby of a hotel after years of working in the industry. It is like a second home for me. I am not ready to leave, so I find a little cove to sit in that overlooks the ocean and enjoy my breakfast.

I leave tomorrow for home and a return to my normal routine.  I close my eyes and breathe in deep; I want to savor this moment hoping that it will hold me until I can return.