As far back as I can remember, the ocean has always been a part of my summer life. Nothing in the world evokes my emotions, instills calmness and serenity in my soul as the sea does.
Because of certain circumstances in my life right now, I need some self-nurturing and reflection, so I turn to the two things that make me feel close to my mother, the ocean and the book, A Gift from the Sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Even though this book was written fifty years ago and I have read it ten times, it never ceases to amaze me how right on she is in her quest for inner peace. I like to think of her as the forerunner for women's blogging.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh was a national figure married to Charles Lindberg,whose son was kidnapped and murdered. She was dearly loved and worshiped by the women of my mother and grandmother's generation. They lived through the pain of her personal life, and this book was an encouragement and source of strength to women. This book is timeless and multi-generational.
The whole premise is her taking a two week retreat in solitude at the ocean, culminating in a book that is better than any self-help book I have ever read (and as someone who needs a lot of help, I have read many).
It is her reflection of a women's personal needs in contrast to the obligations of being a wife, mother, and doing life's work. She puts into perspective the need for love, family, solitude, peace, contentment, simplicity, grace, and self-fulfillment. Just as my mother gave me a copy of this book many years ago, I will do the same for my daughters. I recommend this book to woman of all ages. I know if she were alive today, she would have one hell of an insightful blog!
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