Love Where You Live

It is hard to believe I have been in my house in Virginia Beach for 5 years as of this month. 

Truth be told, I wasn't sold on Virginia Beach right away, but I knew it was the right place for me to be, at least for a few years.  I moved here because I wanted to get back to Virginia after spending almost 3 years in Georgia.  I made many wonderful friends in the Atlanta area while I was there but living in a small town in Georgia was not for me.  I made the decision to get back to Virginia and give beach life a try, instead of heading back to Northern Virginia.

My parents lived close to Virginia Beach, so getting a place close to them made sense.  I wanted to be around to help them when and if they needed me.  Also, I just wanted to be able to see them more easily and spend time with them.  This proved to be the right decision.

I discovered that there is a lot to do here in Hampton Roads but at first, I wasn't overly impressed with the scene. I had spent much of my life in the DC area where there are some of the best restaurants, lots of ethnic variety in food and culture, high-profile events and people, and grand, historic monuments.  Not much made an impression on me at first, coming from all of this in DC. I'm all for embracing new areas but I missed the sophistication and conveniences of a big city.  It is what I knew and what I was used to.

After a while here in Virginia Beach, I discovered a few favorite restaurants and became a craft beer lover!  I even joined a women's beer club called Barley's Angels.  We support the craft beer industry in Hampton Roads and have a great time doing so!  I made friends, joined groups, and explored the area.

What really captured my attention was all of the outside activities and beautiful settings around the water.  I live near a lake that has a nice trail around it, so kayaking and easy hiking is effortlessly accessible.  The Chesapeake Bay is only a few miles from my house so I take advantage of that more local area to spend an afternoon on the beach and relax.  But the question I have asked myself recently is - how often do I go?

I have tried paddle-boarding, including doing yoga on a paddle-board.  Longer hiking trails are nearby also at First Landing State Park, and those are fun for a longer hike.  And of course, there is the oceanfront - the beach, biking, sunrises, and restaurants.  

I realized I have to love where I live.  Virginia Beach might not have everything, but it has a lot that I want to experience and make routine. I biked the Great Dismal Swamp Trail for the FIRST TIME recently with a couple friends.  I will be going kayaking soon, for the FIRST TIME since I’ve been here.  And paddle-boarding is not going to be a once-a-summer thing anymore!

I was recently reminded that we have to take advantage of where we live. I had planned to take a few hours and go to the beach on a Friday afternoon.  The weather was so nice, the sun was out, and my calendar was clear.  However, I still had a lot I could have accomplished on the to-do list.  I hesitated.  I thought about it.  And I decided to do what I planned to do - I went to the beach and relaxed my mind and body.  I needed it.  

Not everyone has a beach within a few miles and the accessibility to paddle-board or hike.  I’m lucky to have this. In some areas, the winter season might have more to offer, like skiing and snowboarding.  In other areas of the country, it might be sunsets and gorgeous desert landscapes.   Perhaps you can enjoy the quiet, simple pleasures of the country or maybe its the attractions and excitement in a big city. We all need adventures and opportunities to recharge.  Find the opportunities unique to your area and make time for them. Love where you live!