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My Special Park Spot
Finding solace in nature…
I wrote this piece late last year, after going through a really painful breakup. Every day, I usually listen to Nora McEnery’s podcast, It’s Going to Be Ok. It has always given me a little boost in my day, as it is a collection of ok things from her audience. I wrote and recorded this piece specifically for the podcast, but also wanted to share it here, since it is a piece of writing I am really proud of putting out into the world. You can also listen to the podcast episode here.
I live in a pretty beach town in Southern California, with no shortage of natural beauty. In my town, there are quite a few beautiful parks, but the one that has become my favorite is called Cemetery Park. It was the site of an actual cemetery until 1944. There are still numerous people buried there, and their grave markers can be found all around the park. Over the years, this park has become my favorite place to go when I need to clear my head. I have found what I think is the optimal place in the park, under this lovely tree (providing the perfect mix of shade and sun), where I have a gorgeous, sweeping view of the ocean, the pier and the city. It is next to the grave of a woman named Louise, who died in 1918 when she was only 29 years old. She keeps me company as I read, journal, drink coffee, meditate and think. I go to my park spot when things in life are great and I’m…
