Lessons from the Beach

Kitsilano has always been at the top of my list of places to live in the city. With its quiet suburban streets only seconds away from the beach, it reminds me of growing up in Nanaimo and will always have a special place in my heart.

While in Nanaimo, I was blessed to grow up within walking distance to several neighbourhood beaches which hold many fond memories. Among these memorable moments were summer afternoons filled with walks to our local 7-11 for Slurpees and bags of 5 cent candies. We’d take our treats down the hill to Blueback Beach and then descended the 300 stairs down to the expansive beach below. If timed right, the tide would be low enough to reveal the rippling sand for what looked like miles. We’d bask in the sun laughing, exchanging secrets and planning for our futures. Later in life, the beach became a place to reset, providing relief from life’s busyness, clarity and perspective.

A year after moving to Vancouver I got the chance to live in Kitsilano — one street up from the beach, and relived my island life. There’s something so refreshing about walking out your front door and being met with the calming sounds of waves, the laughter of friends and family enjoying the day and the warm sand beneath your feet. It felt like a piece of the island was here with me and I found myself finding a new spot for beach treats and sharing laughter, secrets and dreams under the same sky.

Kitsilano is known for its mountain views, laid-back spirit and active community — just to name a few. But as the sun makes its daily journey across the sky, there can be lessons learned from the waves, the sand and the trees if you sit and listen.

Perspective
Like the old saying goes, we are all drops of water in the expansive ocean and grains of sand on the shore. A single grain doesn’t add up to much. Put all those grains together and they can change the landscape of the beach. It’s humbling to think that like sand, you may feel insignificant as an individual. But when you connect with others, just imagine the impact we could have together.

Change
The ocean is a great example of how life is fleeting. One minute there are crashing waves, and the next, the water appears to be glass, calm and unmoving. Similar to the beach, life can also be unpredictable at times — if you get towed under, you must get up again. Change is the only constant in life and we will all deal with adversity at one point or another. So ride through the ups and downs because what’s on the other side was meant for you.

Now or Never
Have you ever found yourself scanning the beach for sea glass, pretty shells or skipping stones? Sometimes we make a mental note to pick it up in a minute — I’ll do that later. But like life, the ocean waits for no one and is capable of washing away treasures that were meant for us. Every minute counts. Grab the opportunity when it comes, as “later” might not ever.

Although I no longer live in Kitsilano, I always find myself there on a busy summer afternoon or a quiet spring evening waiting to hear what the beach has to say next. You can bring a piece of the beach home and celebrate the natural beauty and laid-back spirit of Kitsilano with my latest print — or explore other Vancouver gems and see what lessons the city has for you.