Everything is better at the beach. It is that get-away from everything, experience of relaxation and rejuvenation that you have at the beach, or in the south of France of in your armchair with a delicious read.

I am an Ocean City in the winter kind of gal but I know the ‘everything is better at the beach’ feeling. Sometimes life intervenes and a physical getaway isn’t possible, Last summer, my sister-in-law, Peg was in Johns Hopkins Hospital for most of the summer. They had picnics in the hospital room. I got a lot of knitting done during my days with Peg. When she was able, we talked a lot. When she slept, I knit. Either way, I was there for when she needed something while Dan was at work.

Escape is a key element of the beach attitude. Escape from stress, demands, routine. I worked on Live Your Life With Attitude during two remodels- one bath and one kitchen going on during the same period of time. Working on the photo collages was my escape.

Movies, television and reading can be effective escapes. I do enjoy a good binge watch. It may be detective novels, sci-fi, a trashy romance or rereading an old favorite for you. Maybe it is a special cup of tea with certain music playing. Looking through magazines, taking a long bath, reading recipes, or planning an outing can be fun and relaxing. Naps are amazing. Daydreaming is divine. Be carried away on a wave of sound. Frogs croaking, cicada song, or bird calls can take you to a different place and time.

The important thing is that you take the time for yourself to refresh, rejuvenate, relax, and re-create. You need it and deserve it. It’s one of those things you have to do for yourself. Having someone yell, “Relax. Relax. Relax, goddammit!” will not work. And it is something you can do without cost or permission. Attitude, baby. It’s all about attitude.