Lessons Learned While Living by the Beach
When I lived in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, I thought I had a good understanding of water’s influence on life. From summer days on the lake to long, icy winters, water was always present. But it wasn’t until I moved to Hawaii, just three blocks from the ocean, that I truly began to grasp how living by the sea changes you.
For years, I worked on ships all over the world, visiting countless coasts, but my time aboard was always temporary. Home was still somewhere landlocked. When I sold my small business and took the leap to move to Hawaii, I was stepping into a life I’d only dreamed about—one where the ocean wasn’t a backdrop for a vacation or a workspace for a job, but a constant presence in my everyday life.
Here are some lessons I’ve learned since making that leap.
Every Day Feels Like a Vacation
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned since moving to Hawaii and living by the ocean is how much life can feel like a perpetual vacation. Coming from Minnesota, where vacations were something you planned for months in advance and packed into a week or two of the year, this shift has been nothing short of transformative.
Living just three blocks from the beach means that the kind of experiences I once reserved for special getaways are now part of my daily life. And while life here isn’t without its challenges (hello, traffic and high cost of living), there’s a certain magic that comes with being surrounded by natural beauty every single day.
Sunsets That Stop You in Your Tracks
In Minnesota, sunsets were lovely, but they didn’t feel as monumental as they do here. In Hawaii, it’s almost a daily ritual to stop and watch the sun dip below the horizon. The colors—deep oranges, pinks, and purples—paint the sky in ways that photos can never truly capture.
These moments remind me to pause and appreciate the beauty around me. Watching the sunset has become a way to unwind and reflect, something I used to only experience on vacation. Now, it’s part of my routine.
Morning Walks on the Beach
Imagine starting your day with the sound of waves gently crashing on the shore, sand between your toes, and the smell of salt in the air. That’s my reality now.
Back in Minnesota, mornings were about rushing to get ready and heading out into the cold (for half the year, at least). Here, I can take a leisurely stroll along the beach before starting work, watching the sunrise and feeling the warmth of the day ahead. It sets a tone of calm and gratitude that lasts long after I’ve left the sand.
Adventure Is Always Nearby
Living by the ocean, every day has the potential for adventure. On a whim, I can decide to snorkel, try surfing, or hike to a hidden beach. Even something as simple as exploring tide pools feels exciting and new.
When I lived in Minnesota, activities like these were reserved for vacations. I’d count down the days to a tropical trip and squeeze as much as I could into a short window of time. Now, those experiences are woven into my everyday life.
No Need to Plan for Rest
Vacations are often about escape—leaving behind the grind of daily life for a week or two of relaxation. But living by the ocean, I’ve learned to incorporate rest and rejuvenation into my daily routine.
If I’m feeling stressed, I can take a walk to the beach or sit on the sand and listen to the waves. The ocean is my escape, and it’s always right there. I don’t have to wait for a break in my schedule to feel like I’m on vacation; I just have to step outside.
A Slower Pace of Life
Hawaii has a way of slowing you down, whether you want it to or not. Traffic crawls, food takes a little longer to arrive, and people are generally more laid-back. At first, this shift was a bit jarring—I was used to a fast-paced lifestyle where efficiency was everything.
But over time, I’ve come to appreciate this slower rhythm. It’s not about doing less; it’s about being more present. Living by the ocean encourages you to savor each moment, whether you’re watching the waves, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting outside and feeling the breeze.
Everyday Beauty
One of the things I’ve come to love most about living near the ocean is the constant presence of beauty. From rainbows after a morning shower to sea turtles lounging on the beach, there’s always something that feels extraordinary.
It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant to be fulfilling. Sometimes, the simplest moments—like spotting a pod of dolphins or feeling the warm sand under your feet—are the most meaningful.
Gratitude Comes Naturally
When every day feels like a vacation, it’s easy to feel grateful. Whether it’s the sound of the waves as I fall asleep, the vibrant flowers lining the streets, or the friendly “aloha” from a passerby, there are countless small joys that make life here special.
In Minnesota, I sometimes struggled to find gratitude in the daily grind. Here, it feels effortless. The ocean has a way of reminding me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place.
Balancing Work and Play
Of course, living by the ocean doesn’t mean life is all play. I still have work deadlines and responsibilities, but being so close to the beach makes it easier to find balance.
On particularly busy days, I’ll take a quick break to step outside, breathe in the salty air, and reset. Even just a few moments by the water can shift my perspective and help me tackle the rest of the day with a clearer mind.
Vacation Mindset, Everyday Life
Living by the ocean has taught me that it’s possible to bring the mindset of a vacation into everyday life. It’s about more than the beach or the views—it’s a way of approaching life with curiosity, gratitude, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve learned to embrace spontaneity, prioritize rest, and find joy in the simple things. While living by the ocean has its challenges, the lessons it offers are invaluable.
Conclusion
Moving to Hawaii and living just three blocks from the ocean has completely transformed how I view life. Every day feels like a gift, filled with moments that once felt reserved for vacations.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to wait for a vacation to enjoy life. Whether you’re near the ocean, a lake, or even a city park, there’s beauty to be found in the everyday. The key is to slow down, savor the moment, and let yourself feel grateful for the small joys that make life special.
For me, the ocean is a constant reminder to live fully, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.