“I can’t believe I live here”, I told myself as I crossed the bridge that lead to the beach neighborhood.
I was on my way home from a late day in the office and the sun had begun to set over one side of the bay where sailboats were drifting about lazily. On the other side, jet skiers and power boats had barely slowed from playing about in the warm fall air. This had been my drive home for five years, and every day still humbled me with how fantastic life had become.
“I’m one of the luckiest people in the world”, I thought to myself as I walked from the only parking available within a half mile from my water-front condo.
I walked through the door with a smile still on my face as I wondered why more people didn’t strive to live in such a paradise. Even though I only made around forty thousand a year, it was still enough to live like this.
“Why are you always smiling?” My roommate asked.
“Guess I’m just happy,” I said as I put my briefcase down. “What’s going on?”
“Tina and Marci are coming over for the dinner party.”
I looked out the large balcony glass doors that overlooked the bay. “The sky’s already turning pink and purple. Why don’t we set up on the patio?”
“Sounds good to me.”
Life wasn’t perfect. I was trying to find my way out of an industry of questionable morality, some of the Marines close to me were dealing with some pretty serious PTSD and I always seemed to be broke. Even with the negatives, I was still happy and couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to live here. San Diego was only supposed to be a pit-stop on my move to Spain. I thanked God every day that I was smart enough to realize that I really had no clue as to what would make me feel this way, and now that I had found it, I better stick to it.
Every day felt like a holiday and I was thankful for it. In five years, those feelings had only grown stronger and I still dressed up as though everywhere I went was part that celebration.
I was often teased for always being so excited. I didn’t care. In fact, I was proud. It just reminded me of how aware I was of what I had. This happiness – this celebration – made me want to do more in life. I wanted to accomplish more, I wanted to be more creative, I wanted to help others, I wanted stronger relationships and I wanted to improve myself. Everyone and everything was a part of that. It was a party for the plenty, and I lucky enough to be the host.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’ve always known who I am. I write, I love the arts, I love people and I love travel. I’m passionate and need to fight for what I believe in. I never had a problem knowing who I am. My battle has been fighting the outside forces that would tell me I am wrong.
There’s only so long we can run from ourselves before surrendering and that’s where I am now. I’ve given into who I am and what I love. That is what you see here.
Bobbie White