Drawn to the Water

I’ve always felt a deep pull toward the water. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a calm lake, a crashing ocean, or a quiet harbor at sunrise—being near water instantly makes me feel at peace. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the waves or the salty air, or maybe it’s the sense of endless possibility that comes with looking out at the horizon. Whatever it is, the water has always felt like home to me.

Setting Sail and Letting Go

One of my favorite things in the world is spending a day on the boat. Sometimes it’s just a quick afternoon ride, other times it’s a full day exploring hidden coves or finding a quiet spot to drop anchor and swim. I love the way time seems to slow down once the boat leaves the dock. The usual noise of daily life fades, replaced by the hum of the engine, the slap of water against the hull, and the soft rustle of the wind.

I’m a member of the Freedom Boat Club, which makes it easy to get out on the water without the stress of owning and maintaining a boat. Every outing feels like a mini vacation, even if it’s only for a few hours. Sometimes friends or family come along, but even when I go alone, I never feel lonely. The sea has its own kind of company.

Snorkeling and the World Below

Over the years, my travels have taken me to some beautiful places—tropical islands, coral reefs, and quiet bays where the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom. Snorkeling is one of my favorite ways to explore because it reminds me how vast and alive our planet really is.Snorkeling teaches patience and presence. You can’t rush underwater—you have to move slowly, breathe steadily, and really observe. Each time I go, I’m reminded of how fragile and precious marine life is. 

Exploring the World

My love for the ocean has always gone hand in hand with my love for travel. There’s something exhilarating about exploring new places—tasting unfamiliar foods, hearing different languages, meeting people whose lives are so different from my own yet surprisingly similar at the core. I’ve been lucky to travel widely, and every trip leaves its mark.

Some of my favorite memories come from simple moments: a sunrise walk along a beach in another country, a shared meal with locals after a day of volunteering, or the thrill of jumping into turquoise water far from shore. I’ve learned that travel doesn’t always have to mean grand adventures or exotic destinations. Sometimes the best journeys are the quiet ones—when you let yourself slow down, soak in your surroundings, and just be.

Traveling has also deepened my appreciation for home. After each trip, returning to Cape Cod feels like a gentle landing. I unpack my bags, tend to the garden, and take a long walk by the water. The familiar sights and smells bring comfort and gratitude. The world is wide and beautiful, but there’s something special about the place where your roots are.

Nature as a Teacher

The sea changes constantly—one day it’s calm and glassy, the next it’s rough and unpredictable. It reminds me that life is the same way. You can’t control every wave, but you can learn to adjust your sails. It’s where I process my thoughts and regain perspective. Watching the tide come in and out reminds me that everything moves in cycles—joy, loss, growth, rest. It’s all part of the rhythm.

The Simple Joy of Movement

When I’m not on the water, I love being active in other ways—playing tennis, going for walks, or riding horses when I get the chance. Movement, in any form, keeps me grounded. It’s less about competition and more about feeling alive in my own body.

I think that’s why I enjoy boating and snorkeling so much. They’re physical activities, but they also invite reflection. You’re moving, yet you’re still. You’re engaged, yet relaxed. That balance is rare and deeply healing.

Coming Home  

Sometimes I’ll sit on the dock as the sun sets, watching the sky turn shades of gold and pink, and think about how lucky I am to live in a place where adventure is right outside my door. The waves lap gently against the pilings, gulls glide overhead, and everything feels in harmony.The world is full of beauty if you’re willing to seek it out. For me, that beauty often begins and ends with the sea. Every adventure—near or far—starts with that same simple truth: I am happiest when I’m near the water, breathing deeply, and letting the tide carry me wherever it wants to go.