So this story starts out with a fascination I developed for an island... A place that I had never been. Never even heard of really. But a magical, wonderful place (almost like Disneyland) that stole my heart months before I actually stepped foot there. A place called Corfu.
As my sister Katie and I planned our European backpacking trip we somehow stumbled upon Corfu on some Pinterest pin. Blue skies. Lots of ocean. Secluded. In my opinion our trip consisted of too many typical tourist hotspots that I just imagined to be full of lines, people and all sorts of fees. So, I was all for a chance to get away for a bit. And we did just that.
We did some research and found a $22 dollar one-way along with a quaint little bed and breakfast right on the water. Just like that, we were sold. We ended up planning our entire 21-day itinerary around these few days. Days spent in paradise.
We woke up bright and early our first day with plans to find our perfect spot on our little island. We walked along the coast for miles in one direction and then miles in the other. It was beautiful. Breathtaking even. But at least at first glance, something important seemed to be missing. That pristine white sand. You know, the kind you just sort of sink into. The kind that leaves glistening footprints and provides a cooling sensation in between your toes.
So, we asked around did some research and the second day, we woke up a bit brighter and even earlier to find that sandy stuff down the way. Though we had a rough estimate, there was no way of really telling where this so-called beach was hiding so we trekked long and far. The sun was blazing so we ended up beach hopping all along the way.
During our journey, something rather peculiar happened. As we sat chatting for hours as only five young girls can do, I became fascinated, even intrigued, with those pebbles. I started to examine each and every one, finding that all had their own unique shape, size and pattern. I marveled as the waves and the sun hit at just the right angle turning the rocks from ordinary to extraordinary instantly.
Suddenly, these little pebbles were teaching me some deep life lessons. An overwhelming sense of gratitude came over me as I realized that had we not stopped to smell the roses we would have never experienced those beaches in all of their majestic beauty. Sometimes in life we form our own little paradigms. Almost as if we are walking around with blinders (You know, like the racing horses wear) we become oblivious to possibilities all around us. Like me and my whole sandy beach thing.
If you are wondering, we never found that sandy beach that we were looking for. Truth be told, I think we completely forgot about it. Because we found something oh so much better.
And I guess maybe that's how life is too. Sometimes we give up some goals, plans and even dreams in pursuit of something a bit bigger and a bit better. That personal decision thing. That can be oh so difficult. But oh so worth it as well.
***on a side note, I've been limping for days as some stupid sea urchin lodged a few thorns into my right foot. One of those pebbled beach problems. But you know, I guess that's part of the decision making process as well. Sometimes in our own pursuit of happiness, we can get hurt. It can be painful. But somehow, I think that pain is another important part of the whole process. And I still wouldn't trade those beach days for the world.
Words can not describe this
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