My Favorite Place on Earth

Driving through Morehead City, NC, parallel to the railroad tracks, the ocean begins to make its way through my right peripheral vision. At the dead end of every narrow street, a small of opening of glistening blue peeks through, adding to the anticipation of what's to come.

And then—the moment arrives. I take a sharp right turn, exiting through the opening of trees, leading to the Atlantic Beach bridge. My spirits rise as I drive up the shape of the bridge, and as I descend into the small coastal town, my worries leave with it. With the Bogue Sound surrounding my left and right, decorated with boats and patches of reeds, and the distant view of the Atlantic over the abyss of colorful houses on risers, I think to myself,

This is truly the only place I want to be.

...

I thought I'd let you into my thoughts each time I get to visit my favorite beach town. This past weekend was Easter, which means a half week of school, a drive home, and probably a beach trip or two.?

In my second blog, I mentioned how I grew up in what feels like 3 places: New Bern, Pamlico County, and I held the third for a "later blog." Well, we've arrived. The third is Atlantic Beach, NC: my favorite place on earth.

You may think to yourself, Sarah, what? You just wrote a blog about being in Italy. But I don't take that statement lightly. Atlantic Beach is truly my favorite place on earth. It's home, but it's also special—reserved for days off, empty to-do lists, and a need for escape.

As a kid who’s loved the beach since the first time I stepped foot in the sand, living a 40-minute day trip away from the coast my whole life was nothing short of ideal. It was just close enough for it to feel like home, but far enough to feel like a treat each time I went. It was a normalcy I've now realized how much I took for granted, as I've lived in Chapel Hill for almost three years. Although I love it here, I often find myself feeling land-locked.

There’s always been something about the coast that makes every stressor fade. When I'm near the water, every racing thought or heavy weight quickly evaporates into the salt air.

Now, I know this is a somewhat cliché opinion. After all, phrases like “island time” and every other Hobby Lobby slogan didn’t come from nowhere. It's no surprise that the beach is a relaxing getaway, but to me, it’s even more.

My mom and I share this feeling for the beach. It’s always been a foundational part of our bond. She’s the person I can always count on to say “yes” to a January beach sunset + Chick-fil-A on the beach combo, or early morning sunrise trip in the summer.

I know every inch of the stretch from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle. Every hidden beach access, ice cream shop, restaurant or sunset spot. As I drive, I pass dozens of places I've stayed and so many streets I've walked down with friends and family. I remember the way it looked 10 years ago compared to the way it looks now, after many hurricane seasons and added developments.?Stories are sprinkled all over that island. But the feeling has never changed, and somehow in its repetitive familiarity, each time I drive down that strip, it feels like the first time.

If someone asked me what it is about the coast that makes me feel this way, I'm not sure I'd have a definite answer. Maybe I was born with it. Maybe it's years of summers and fond memories.

All I know is that it's so much more than the tan lines I come home with, or the rejuvenation I feel after I leave. I think above all, it's the element of escape; slowness.

The only thing in sight is the water, families laughing, the feeling of the breeze coupled with the sand underneath my feet. Everyone I'm surrounded by chose to spend their day just sitting on a beach. It's one of the rare times in America that I witness a group of people collectively deciding to slow down and rest. Half of the time, I don't even have service, and I love it—the opportunity to be completely off the grid for a few hours. I think the world needs a little more of that.

The beach gives us space to notice. I can look around, in awe of the intricacies of creation, and just take it all in.

I understand not everyone is a "beach person." But, the same feeling can be found in the mountains, on a boat, in a park, a grassy field, anywhere—if we only have the courage to be still, power our phone off, and notice things.

You should try it sometime soon.