Why You Should Visit the Places That Give You Peace
Returning to the beach after my biggest loss.
Hi there!
The first time I stood on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico after my best friend, Lizzy, died, my tears were uncontainable.
The beach was our place. Those gently lapping waves washed away our stress and refreshed our souls. Life was liveable again after a trip to the coast.
Only two months had passed since we lost her, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
As the initial breaths of the salt air entered my lungs, a pain concealed in the corner of my heart broke free. Many tears flowed over the next five days.
As painful as it was, I’m happy we went to the beach.
Being there with her family healed all of us, but also made us feel closer to her. The ocean was her first love, and communing with it reminded us she would always be with us.
“First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.”
- Thomas A. Kempis
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack). The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
Finding My Peace
We all have places that bring us peace–parks, beaches, art galleries, or grandma’s house–these are the places we feel safe. It’s where we can be ourselves and let all our walls come down.
Growing up, I rarely felt that type of peace.
I never imagined I would find a place I felt like I belonged. Life taught me the truth, and now I set time aside to go to these places that feel like home and give me peace.
The first time I walked those hot white sands of the Florida panhandle, I knew a piece of my soul had always been there waiting for me. No matter how many times I go back, I feel that connection just as strongly.
In time, I learned how to find peace in other places and with special people, including my best friend. She may be gone, but her peace lives in me. Our time together was a priceless gift I will carry with me always.
Find Your Peace
If you have a place that brings you calm, schedule some time to be there. Make it a priority, a gift to yourself, and make it happen.
If you have yet to find your place, keep hope alive.
Try visiting places you have never been. Make new friends and open your heart to fresh experiences. I found peace by accident, and you may, too.
Circumstances have kept me from the beach for the last few years, so my source of peace had to change. Now I can find a similar release in a quiet spot in my backyard. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s enough to keep me going.
As you visit places, notice how you feel. When a location removes some of the weight from your shoulders, attempt to go there as often as possible.
You deserve that peace.
Where do you go when you need peace? Please share your favorite places in the comments.
Write About Peace
Use these writing prompts to help you think about the peace in your life.
Journal Prompt: What is one time you felt completely at peace? Can you recreate the experience? Why did it affect you so deeply?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story about a couple getting married at the beach. Does the weather hold out? Do they tie the knot or does one of them run?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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