Life's a Beach

Yes, it sure is. The phrase rang true as I walked along the beach at the Jersey shore as 2007 ended and 2008 began.

I found great pleasure in stepping on — no, crushing, actually — the bits of shell underfoot. I felt like I was winning over life's obstacles.

Patterns in the sand reminded me of stages of life. Here was smooth sand. There were tire tracks. Over there was a pattern that would've made a great wallpaper design. Phases of my life.

Rocks to climb. Patches of seaweed washed up on the shore to step over. More obstacles, more things to deal with.

And waves. Waves roll in, some gently, some crashing. Like our moods, how we attack life. Sometimes we attack with gusto; other times we roll with the punches.

If my life were a beach right now, I'd wish for smooth, fine sand, and calm rolling waves, and of course, blue skies above.

Happy New Year! Smooth sand, rolling waves and blue skies for you, too, in 2008.