Here's to No Expectations!

As I ride the train home from Atlantic City, watching the countryside pass beside me, I am quietly reflecting on my time spent by the ocean. There is something about being by the sea, that allows me to let go of all expectations. By nature, I am a planner. I like knowing the who, what, when where, how, and why of things. Over the last four days however, I was able to let go of my need to have a plan. Each day began with breakfast, from there, I allowed the day to bring me what it would. By allowing myself to go, great memories emerged. I think, too often we cling too tightly to our expectations, that we lose sight of what could be. When we over plan, we miss on the spontaneity experience brings. Sadly, it is this need to fulfill our expectations that results in our own unhappiness. Letting go doesn't necessarily require a vacation - it is simply putting your to-do list aside for a few hours, a day, or even a week.

Here's to the highlights of my trip: necklace making, spending time on the boardwalk, water slides, delicious seafood, floppy straw hats, connecting through conversation, swimming in the ocean, basking in the sunshine, mini golf, paddle ball, and much more.

P.S. I barely got through the first few pages of my 'planned' beach reading...