Californication

Living less than two miles from Ocean beach means that I have been going on night rides and runs there. There are few things more calming to me than being outside at night, under the moonlight. And, as the nights are now crisp, I don't have to worry about sweating up a storm from the lack of shape I'm in! Today, however, after having liberally indulged in libations all weekend long, I was seriously devoid of energy and in desperate need of motivation. I dragged my ass on a meandering bike ride along the beach, passing the throngs of tourists, weaving through the walkers and tots teetering on their bikes, dodging the new families proudly, exhaustedly pushing along their newborns, slowing to admire the wetsuited surfer boys, periodically stopping to inhale the beauty of the California coastline on a sunny, near-winter day.

When I am awestruck by nature, a feeling of complete tranquility washes over me, slowing my heartbeat, deepening my breath. I have to force myself to stay in the moment because my mind instantly wonders what the hell I am doing in my life that is more important than being able to appreciate sights like this every single day. I had to snap myself out of that today, but it made me realize that I probably won't go into corporate law like my dad. And it made me appreciate living in California, having so many climates at your command in no more than day's drive. Travelling far and wide is amazing, but so is wondering about right in your own backyard, California dreaming.