Self-Care
Sand. Sea. Sisterhood. Shenanigans.
If you know, you know. These are the moments that make a summer—and a life.
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Summer is here, and if you're anything like me, you're having thoughts of the beach—sunshine, relaxation, picnics, sandcastles, a nice cool drink, friends, family—in essence, a good time. When I think of the beach, I also think about how much I took it for granted when I lived in Southern California. I was working for the City of Long Beach and could literally walk to Ocean Boulevard, sit on a bench, and eat my lunch. You would think I did that every day, and you would be wrong.
Now that I live in Georgia, where going to the beach is a bit of a production, I realize how much I miss that proximity. So even though I have to drive for hours to get to the nearest shore, I will definitely be making the journey—because lounging on a beach somewhere is what summers are made of.
See what memories come to mind for these Sisters!
My favorite memory was going with my dad. He showed me how to swim while my mom and aunt prepared a picnic for my younger cousins and I. I felt like such a big girl because I was the oldest out of all of the cousins and got to learn how to swim first. I was daddy’s girl and he was so proud of me for learning so quickly. He loved to swim and eventually I did too. The water and the weather at Venice Beach near where I grew up was always so perfect just like those days on the beach with my family.
Vernita Johnson, 63, Baltimore, MD
Spending my actual 40th birthday at Maracas Bay Beach in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It was my first time visiting my dad's home country and the cruise stop just so happened to be on the day of my 40th. When we got to land, I noticed the vibrant colored buildings and was immediately met by the smell of delicious, seasoned food. And there was music! It was such a warm welcome and made us all feel right at home which was especially moving for me. It felt monumental for me to be where my people are from.
ReLeah Thompson, 54, Brockton, MA
My friend lives on St. Thomas and every year she invites a few of us to come stay at her home for two weeks. We get up in the morning and go to Brewer's Beach. We put our blankets out and snorkel. There's one little coral in the water that I call "Bikini Bottom" because there are so many beautiful fish and sea turtles too. Then we get pâtés [meat-filled hand pies] from the street vendor and are back to the house before it gets too hot.
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Tiffany Simmons, 62, Roanoke, VA
I will never forget being in college and saving up enough money to go to a beach in Florida during spring break with my friends. We had been talking about it since our freshman year and everybody finally got on board with enough money to take the drive and head to the beach. We stayed on the beach for hours on end, eating sandwiches and laughing and talking and listening to music, taking pictures and running in and out of the water. That was a joyous time.
Morgan Morris, 49, Cleveland, OH
My favorite beach memory is my second time going to one of the smaller beaches between Navarre and Fort Walton as a college student while visiting my uncle in Florida during school break. It wasn't very crowded and I was able to lay out and hear the waves. There was a slight breeze, and I could smell the saltwater. It was so peaceful.
Alythia Marshall, 43, Conyers, GA
Beach days are my best days. I recall a beach day in Galveston, Texas with my sissy and her kids. The kids are very hard to please, especially my niece. But on this day, it was all fun and joy!
Davida Chanel Baker, CA
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