Welcome back to SOLO at SIXTY!
Wow… this is my 60th blog post! And in my 60th year! I’ve come a long way from blog post #1 (Sweat, Tears, or the Sea: Part 1). Time really does lessen the pain we experience, and so do “Sweat, Tears, and the Sea”. I’ve learned a lot about myself through these 60 blog posts. I’ve learned that every day is precious and not to be taken for granted. Remember how I am such a planner? I mean, right now, my calendar is planned out through November! BUT, I am finding I have also become a bit more spontaneous. Point in case? Last week I decided to head to the beach Friday morning and boy am I glad I did! It was a beautiful weekend at the beach, and a less than perfect one in Charlottesville. And I can do these things on the spur of the moment now that I am SOLO.
Thursday night I hosted a retirement party for a dear friend, and fellow teammate at a local brewery. We tend to think alike and sometimes dress alike! Frick and Frack. Lucy and Ethel. Have worked together for 16 years. Won’t have to say goodbye to her (thank heavens) because I’ll still see her around the club and we’ll continue to take some workout classes together, and we’ll still hang out. Just won’t see her at the office every day.
“Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living.”
So after her party, I decided I would head to the beach early Friday morning. Yes it would be a quick weekend trip, but I wanted to see how my newly stained decks looked and just needed that beach time. Left Friday morning at 5:30 am in pouring down rain, arrived at noon to a beautiful, sunny day at the beach. And the beautiful weather continued Saturday and Sunday. Ran, even though it was hot and humid (I love the heat!), read 2 books, napped on the beach, walked, searched for those special beach treasures, and let the sea heal my soul. Just put all of my worries in the ocean and let them wash out to sea. I always feel so renewed after a trip to the beach. And with the long days of light, I was able to enjoy most of Sunday on the beach before leaving mid afternoon since I could still get home before dark. (Broke my record and made it home in 6 hours 15 minutes with 4 stops!)
“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.”
Someone asked me if it was lonely going to the beach SOLO. Absolutely not! I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, and however I want. Stayed on the beach each day until 6 pm. Friday night I got a take out from one of my favorite places and then went for a bike ride. Went out to dinner later Saturday night at my favorite place, yes Frank’s, and then stopped by Murrells Inlet and walked around the Marshwalk listening to all the live music. It was a beautiful night and I was not on any schedule but my own. SOLO. It was fun y’all!
“Single isn’t a status. But it’s a word that describes a person who is strong enough to live and enjoy life without depending on others.”
Last Thursday was my favorite day of the year – June 21st, the longest day of the year with almost 15 hours of light. Oh how I love these long sunny days. Don’t you? Makes it easier for me to make that 6 ½ drive later in the day to or from the beach. I can run very early in the morning because it is light before 6 am. Also lets me fit in time after work to walk around the neighborhood and check on my garden. This week I picked green beans, okra, and cucumbers. It is producing much better than last year’s. Like me, my garden has also prospered over the year. I love eating food right out of the garden.
“The longest day you’ll ever experience is still only 24 hours long.”
I decided this year to have no regrets. I don’t want the summer to end and find myself saying “I wish I had…” So I am making every effort, and taking every opportunity, to do the things I want to do. See my kids, my mom, my family, go to the beach, to movies, read good books, visit friends. May sound boring to some, but it is all I want to do. It’s what makes me happy.
“Look forward with hope, not backwards with regret.”
Remember that every hour, once past, is gone forever. Make the most of each day and have no regrets. Find what fulfils your life and do it. And spend time with those you love, because as we all know, none of us is promised tomorrow.
Best,
Leslie
SOLO at SIXTY 
Your blog is so inspiring. But I can’t figure out how you do so much in so little time. I’m so tired after reading all that you do. It’s so funny because we see you when you to to the beach then you are gone. Just keep on spending time with your loved ones and enjoying live. Keep up the good work in your writing. I look forward to it every week.
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Wonderful post as usual Leslie!
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Leslie,
It was so good talking to you. You did look so relaxed enjoying the beach! 😎🏖 Thanks for the book recommendations! 👍😃
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Thanks for the Book Shares!
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