Stay Salty
‘Stay Salty’ is a chapter from my book, “Looking at Forty: A Most Meaningful Year”
I swam in the ocean today. I have done this countless times in life, but today it felt different. When I submerged my face into that cold, salt-tinged water, some light went off in my head. That sand that sometimes rubs us wrong, today it was wonderful in every way. For me, getting into the ocean is an important thing to do every now and then, and it gets more important with age and with time and with more responsibilities. It is relaxing (mostly), it is refreshing, and it brings me back to simpler times.
As you may know, I come from the east coast of Florida. There it is easy to head to the beach and jump into the water almost any time your heart desires. At certain points in life, I did this every weekend for months at a time. The more years that go by, the further I seem to be away from that place, both physically and mentally. With that comes less and less time I get to spend there and the less salt I have on my skin and in my system. But I was back home, at least in my own mind, today, even though the ocean I was in happened to be off of the Texas coast. I was back to simpler and easier times. I was half-enjoying that cool salty water against my body while also being half petrified. There is always a worry that some form of large predatory wildlife may pay a visit—an ever-present thought for me any time I jump in, whether rational or not. As a famous comedian calls it, the ocean is “monster soup.”
Growing up, I took swimming in the ocean for granted. I even sometimes dreaded making the drive or bike ride over with the family. Perhaps we all took it for granted once or twice, those of us who were lucky enough to be within an easy travel distance to the sea. It is clear to me now that this is something that is common to the maturing (aging) psyche, taking things for granted. We all know that we do it, but we sometimes do not know it until later in life. Then we start to see others making the same youthful mistakes and indiscretions that we once made, and it sinks in. We often do not admit to doing it—taking things for granted—until later in life. It happened to me today.
Think back to something in your youth that you “hated” while it was happening. I bet that you wish you could go back now and enjoy every single second. I am sure we could each create a lengthy list of things or people or moments that would fit into this category. A list of things we thought we would never miss or admire. When 20 or 30 years go by, you realize how important and special those things were and are. You realize how they shaped you into what you are today, whether good or bad. They were special to you and special to your growth as a human being, even if you did not realize it at the time. It is OK to recognize that now. In fact, you should recognize that now and take moments to appreciate those long-forgotten things. You owe it to them.
I know that now, at 39, there were many things I took for granted and things I likely still do. The time I spent with my grandparents, who have all now passed away, that I did not take full advantage of, missing out on countless life lessons and learning opportunities. The experience of being the captain of my baseball team, something I could have done a better job at and now wish I would have. The times I could have spent hanging out with my three sisters but decided to do other things for whatever reason. Now all three live nowhere near me, and those face-to-face interactions are rare and missed. My first few years of college should have been more productive and positive, but I spent them partying and wasting time. Many friendships have fallen by the wayside for no particularly good reason, but I know I played some part. This list can continue but we all get the point. I know I do not want to add things to this list going forward. At 39, I realize this and I am making a vow to myself not to let these types of things slip through my fingers again. Today’s event of swimming in the ocean, somehow, made me think about that.
Today’s saltwater swim and the resulting feeling of freedom was a symbol. I should appreciate moments like this and I should seek these types of moments out and pursue them with unrelenting determination. I know I should appreciate my upbringing and how it influenced all 39 years of this life. It is a symbol of gratitude. I need to be grateful for this kind of experience and the benefits it provides. I do not know the percentage of the world population that has never swum in the ocean, but I bet it is high. Think about that. Especially if you are one of the lucky few that have felt that salt and sand caress your body and mind. Imagine not feeling that sensation, ever. I have it good, and I know it. You have it good, at least relative to most, if you are reading this—or if you can even read at all. Realize that. Soak it in. Appreciate it every chance you get. Appreciate the things you may consider small wins. In the long run, they are just about as small as the ocean.
-Houston Bailey (@BumpBailey)