I was in Trader Joe's last week, minding my business at the checkout line. I handed the gentleman my TJ's reusable bags, giving myself an invisible pat-on-the-back for remembering them. As he unfolded the crinkled up material, tiny particles flicked into the air and across his glossy wooden counter.
He stared at me like, "What the hell was that?" But in a cool way, because Trader Joe's employees are chill, ya know?
My eyes popped; cheeks went hot, and I chirped, "Sand! It's beach sand."
I apologized, trying to wipe it up with my hand, as the checkout fella reassured me that it was okay.
"Did you just get back from the beach?" he asked.
"Nope," I honestly replied. "I just like to go shelling."
He reached for my second reusable bag, and I try to stop him. But, he was fast, and I was giggling inside at that point.
Woooosh!
Up it goes; freed from its container. Sand graciously lands across the countertop.
Again.
I crooked smiled and said, "Let's use your bags."
A few years ago, I would have been mortified if that happened to me. Things have changed. I've changed. I felt bad, but not to the point that I was leaving there tense and embarrassed.
As he was kindly bagging my groceries, all I could think about was how much fun I had the last time I went shelling.
Since I was a small child, shelling has been my happy activity. Time doesn't exist when I shell. I feel small (in the best possible way). And for me, it's a form of walking meditation. I'm a beach gal, through and through.
I went to Chincoteague Monday to shell the morning away. I had it all planned out. And guess what? My plans didn't go as I hoped. If you follow me on social media, I made a vlog that evening to share my story. Check it out if you would like some encouragement!
Although my plans shifted, I had the best time. Why wouldn't I? I was shelling at my childhood beach.
I skipped and walked further than I anticipated. My shoes came off, and that cool sand invigorated my spirit. It was fabulous.
Along the horizon, I saw a group of trees poking from the sand. Leafless and adorned with ocean treasures. I had to reach them.
It was quite the journey for me that morning (watch the vlog to hear more). And those sun-kissed trees were cathartic. I needed that moment.
For me, it was shelling in the sunshine, and believing that I would go further than I thought.
I didn't get many shells that day, so my Trader Joe's bags weren't as sandy. But, I came home full of joy, and gratitude and a youthful giddiness that felt oh so familiar.
It's the little things.
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