A few years ago, we spent a beautiful summer day at Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. The
sun was just right—not scorching, just warm enough to soak in without needing to retreat to the shade. A gentle breeze rolled in off the water, making the whole day feel like a postcard come to life.
We walked the shoreline, stopped for boardwalk fries, dipped our
toes in the waves, and let the afternoon stretch out like it had nowhere else to be.
By early evening, we packed up our towels and beach bags and made our way back to the little hotel just a few blocks from the water. I remember feeling so relaxed and content…until I started kicking off my sandals.
Sand. Everywhere.
In my shoes, between my toes, stuck to the backs of my legs, deep in the seams of the beach bag. Later, I found it in the hotel bathroom, on the sheets, and even inside my purse. It
was like the beach had followed us back in tiny, gritty pieces.
At first, it made me smile...a trace of the fun we’d had. But by morning, the charm had worn off. That sand was annoying. It stuck where it didn’t belong, and no matter how much I swept or rinsed, it kept showing up.
That’s when it hit me: even the best days leave behind things we don’t need to keep carrying.
The same is true in everyday life. We hold onto things,
physical and emotional, that linger long after their purpose has passed.
Maybe it’s an old TO DO list we never tackled, or a conversation that didn’t go the way we hoped. Maybe it’s guilt, or comparison, or something someone said that we replay over and over in our
heads.
Sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the smallest. They seem insignificant—a bit of sand, no big deal—but they pile up. They wear on us. And often, we don’t even notice the weight until we finally release it.
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. I still think about that beach day and smile. But I don’t need the literal sand, or the mental clutter it symbolizes, sticking to my life for days, weeks, or years after the joy itself has passed.
So here’s a gentle challenge: What’s
the sand in your shoes right now? Something you’ve been carrying that you no longer need? A lingering task, a tiny resentment, a belief that’s outlived its usefulness?
You’re allowed to let it go. You’re allowed to shake it out and move forward with lighter steps. Clear the sand and give yourself the gift of a fresh
start.
Back to School Recommendations!
1. Back-to-School Must-Haves for Cool KidsFun and useful back-to-school finds for anyone shopping for kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews! From clever supplies to everyday essentials, this list makes getting ready for the school year a little more exciting. Access here
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this fall—or know someone who is? Don’t miss my Ultimate List of Must-Have Items for Your College Dorm. It’s packed with smart, stylish, and space-saving essentials to make dorm life easier, cozier, and way more organized. Access here
