Growing up I used to love staying at the beach until the sun set. After being in the water all day, this is the perfect time to go back in for a nice long dip. The waves are rolling again, the water temp feels warm as your body has almost grown another layer of skin while you lay on the sand post morning sesh, acclimating.
For me, this time of day brings clarity as well. As I watch the sun descend upon the horizon, my entire day flashes before my eyes. I catch myself naturally thanking God for everything amazing that happened. I also find that peace and understanding of owning up to where, how or why I tripped up where I did and if I did. I make amends and let it all go, looking forward to the next day.
Might as well be the ocean’s way of igniting St. Ignatius’ Examen, one that I am very fond of fundamentally as well.
But growing up, I didn’t have any formal way of examining my day or even knowing what to do after getting the answers I needed from the sunset, or from the cool breeze coming by with that hopeful spirit. As a child, we just take in the goodness without question. Growth is a lot like this in some way. We learn to accept those inner truths a lot faster. We realize, we no longer wish to doubt or guess – we simply know now.
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately, and writing less. I have been taking the time to truly enjoy all the best memories I’ve had in life. I’ve come to this place I never thought I’d get to before dying, to be honest.
Post trauma, post anxious youngster days, post arguing with the world about what is right and wrong. Now, everything feels like Dusk. Everyday feels like when the waves have calmed down, and the sun is almost gone. Everyday feels like the ocean is calling me to take one last dip before going home.
I no longer have to almost cry when I say goodbye to the waves, because we are reunited again as I am back on the west coast. And even more importantly, I am back in the land where this blog began. Back where I grew up, where I lost at love the first time around, where I picked myself up, found out who I truly was, and bravely decided to grab life around the neck like when you give someone the biggest hug.
Dusk it is. The certainty of dusk. The moment you get all the answers you need from this
day. The tranquility of your mind and heart become one, finally (beautiful sigh), and you no longer argue with yourself and the world.
This inner peace has now led me to be able to pursue some of my biggest dreams I’ve had on the docket. Nothing is standing in the way, nothing except that beautiful blue horizon saying, “Come take another dip Diane, come jump in the water and play again before you go to sleep.”
FOR THOSE NEEDING SOME OF DUSK’S WISDOM TONIGHT, “At Dusk – Truth Bombs”:
- Goodness is what we are here for.
- The wind has a voice.
- Your inner spirit is faith, hope, and love.
- When you smile, you believe.
- The calm and tranquil is your submission.
- Trees talk like rolling waves and gentle tides.
- Peace is your choice.
- Grass is the comforting carpet of this place we call home.
- Sleep is supremely restful because it is when we subconsciously have conversations with God.
- When you bloom, you are reaching out to ALL the goodness and pulling in all of the the best resources, saying no to evil – completely unaware of the nay-sayers.
