Just returned from a three-mile charity walk on the beach with my sponsor. Two sober women, both adult children of alcoholics, and one happy dog. I had a great time reconnecting with my sponsor. A real benefit of twelve step programs is the opportunity to meet and get to know folks you might never have crossed paths with otherwise.

I’ve been down in the low country for a week now on my own and am settling into life dictated by the rhythm of the tides. Low tide and high tide each present different opportunities. At low tide, the beach on the sound near my house opens up and it is easier to walk long distances. During low tide you will see many wading birds; herons, egrets, and sometimes oystercatchers, my favorite, foraging for food among the exposed grasses and steamy pluff mud, which is mud formed by the decomposing spartina grass.  Oysters, horseshoe crabs, whelks, hermit crabs, and many other small foraging creatures abound. At high tide, water floods the tidal marshlands on the other side of the beach and I can see water in every direction. High tide at the end of the day is a site to see and on many days I get to watch the dolphins come in with the tide to feed on the small fish. The tidal range between high and low tides can be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet and the water moves rapidly in and out of the estuaries here. You really have to know the tides if you boat or kayak on these waters.

It’s a blessing to spend time here in such a diverse and rich ecosystem.

One thing I’ve found is that I don’t have to be lonely down here. There’s always a meeting to go to, and I can always go outside and do something, walk the dog, walk on the beach, go to the gym, or the pool. September is a beautiful time in coastal South Carolina.

Yesterday I went to a yoga class, had a massage, and went to an evening meeting. A perfect day.

I’m not dwelling on the fact that I have cancer, and I’m actually starting to have a bit more energy, all good things. Today my gift is gratitude.