PB+J on the Beach

Peanut Butter and Jelly on the beach. 

{A timeless classic.}

Ingredients: 

1. Approximately 3 Jelly cups from the hotel complimentary breakfast

2. Exactly 2 peanut butter cups...also from the hotel complimentary breakfast. 

3. One slice of Trader Joe's sourdough sliced bread

Ok ok so you probably already know how to make a PB and J sandwich. But if you are a true connoisseur like me, you know that the type of Jelly or Peanut Butter hardly matters when you are eating a PB and J on the beach. With sand on your toes, salt in your hair, and the remains of the beach water on your skin, the absolute best thing is a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich..no matter what type of peanut butter or jelly was used in the making. Maybe it's the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or maybe it's the beach...but I think there is something about both, together, that inevitably brings one to a state of reflection. Everything else fades away but the crash of the waves, you, your thoughts...and your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

You are probably thinking right now....what the heck does a sandwich have to do with reflection. And what is with the pb+j. 

Well....I think it has something to do with the fact that as a young kid, I had pb+j ALLL the time. A childhood STAPLE. And when I decided to go Vegetarian/pescetarian, it became even more of a sandwich staple. So sitting here on the beach, eating the food of my childhood...of adventures and beach days and picnics and walks to the park, I was put in the perfect situation for reflection. You see the PB and J brought my mind to those days of pure joy, imagination, and adventure. 

And for the first time in a little while I felt peace and joy. Like Jesus giving me a little hug and reminding me, you are going to be alright, I've got you. I stopped freaking out about my future and just sat there, eating my pb and j. And as the waves crashed gently against the shore, I looked around at my family, and the ocean and realized how good life is. life is good!! My whole family is safe, and we are together. We may fight but in the end we are there for each other. Here we were traveling and doing life together! What a special blessing! And God is ALWAYS with me. How freaking cool is that? In the midst of all the change and craziness of 2020 God is constant. And he is present. He provides. He loves. He saves. God is good. And life is good. 

And I'm alive!!!

I think I often walk through life forgetting that. Looking to the future when I can't wait to live life more fully in this way or that, doing this or that. But why not live in the present?! We are not guaranteed tomorrow!! So we need to live every single MOMENT with intention and gratitude for the life we live. Are we perfectly going to do that...no. But we should at least try. I don't know about you but I often get afraid of trying something for fear of failure. But guess what?! I'm gonna fail! You are going to fail too! And that's okay. In fact, that's great! I've been trying to shift my perspective to embrace and find joy in the challenges failure brings. Let's let it teach us. And let's not let the fear of failing stop us from living every moment of life intentionally. Let's live life alive!! 

A friend texted me yesterday and when I asked how she was doing she told me she was just trying to enjoy every minute of life, because it flies by so fast. Life flies by so fast. It was such a good reminder in the midst of Senior year and anticipating the future. Let's enjoy the little moments. Let's be intentional this week. Let's make the most of every moment. Life isn't guaranteed. So let's. live. life. ALIVE! 

I know this seems like a lot for some thoughts on the beach while eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I guess it's crazy what a little time away from the business of life can do for your heart and mind.

I love you all and I hope there's something you needed to hear within these crazy thoughts. Get outside! Go for a walk! Eat a PB+J!! Live life. 

Much love, xoxo

Sincerely,

Sophi : )