less is more

what the beach taught me about living and why i’m scared for today

i grew up on the beach, living mostly on saltwater, sunshine, and whatever the tide decided to leave behind.

i didn’t have much in terms of “things,” but i had everything that mattered long days in the waves, pockets full of shells, sand everywhere, and endless surfing roadtrips with my dad and brothers. boards tied down, car smelling like sunscreen surf wax and snacks, music blasting, showing me that joy doesn’t come from what you own, but from how deeply you live.

being outside with friends, meeting new people on whatever occasion, spending whole days barefoot and sunburnt that was my childhood. simple, real, free.

and honestly, that’s why i worry now.

the world feels more obsessed with stuff especially now close to the holidays. kids are growing up inside more than outside, attached to screens instead of shorelines.

i know i may sound like a boomer, but at seventeen i see it. i’m scared future generations will stop wanting to party, have fun relationships, or go on road trips or just being in the outdoors.

they won’t know the feeling that comes from hours under the sun, or the kind of happiness that doesn’t need to be bought or posted.

when i have kids, i want something different for them. i want them to grow up with salt in their hair, not social media pressure. i want them to know that the outdoors and in real life relationships can give them more than anything they could buy.

i want them to feel grounded, free, connected things that come naturally when your childhood is shaped by tides instead of trends.

i want them to have what i had maybe not the exact same life, but the same feeling. i want them to know the thrill of spotting a dolphin or stumbling on a hidden cove or finishing a long hike. celebrating with friends on late nights.

traveling with family and friends. finding love. winning a game with the best teammates. who knows maybe even living on a sailboat for a summer traveling the world.

i want them to understand connection that isn’t transactional and joy that isn’t purchased.

sincerely,

chloe