Recently, my friend and I embarked on a journey to the Calanques in Marseille. After a serene visit to La Bonne Mère, we decided to take a 3-hour cruise around the islands near Marseille. The day was filled with promise, and we eagerly awaited the adventure that lay ahead.
After visiting the hilltop basilica, we made our way to Vieux Port, catching a ride share down to the waterfront. As we arrived, I could already see the long line of people waiting to embark on the yacht. My friend dashed off to a nearby store to grab some water while I held our place in line. The breeze was refreshing as it caressed my skin, and my loose, dark blue eyelet blouse billowed in the wind. I took in the atmosphere—the lively energy of the crowd, the scent of the sea, and the anticipation in the air.
As we finally boarded, I found myself drawn to the bow of the ship, where I could fully savor the sights, sounds, and the feel of the wind against my face. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing the breeze to wash over me, and I felt a deep sense of peace and presence. As the boat began to pick up speed, the captain started narrating in French, sharing stories of the Calanques. I have to admit, I only caught bits and pieces of what he said, not because I wasn’t interested, but because I was so captivated by the sheer beauty around me—the blue waves sparkling under the sunlight, the rugged cliffs rising in the distance. It was a scene that demanded to be felt rather than analyzed.
In moments like these, I am reminded of the scripture, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Instead of trying to grasp every detail or control every moment, I found joy in simply being present. As I gazed out at the horizon, I felt a deep sense of peace and gratitude, content to embrace the beauty of the day as it was given.
As we sailed further, the sea became more playful, sending waves crashing against the bow. Everyone sitting at the front, including myself, got soaked as seawater splashed over us. I tasted the saltiness of the water on my lips and felt it on my skin, but instead of annoyance, there was laughter. There was an unspoken camaraderie among us as we shared this unexpected, yet delightful moment. A quote by Helen Keller came to mind: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” And there we were, embracing the adventure, not caring about the spray of the sea or the mess it made of our clothes.
These spontaneous moments, filled with laughter and joy, reminded me that happiness often lies in the simplest things. We don’t need a perfectly planned day to experience the fullness of life; sometimes, we just need to be open to whatever comes our way. As it says in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Truly, a cheerful heart on that boat filled us all with a shared sense of joy and connection.
When I reflect on that day cruising the Calanques, I realize it was more than just a boat ride; it was a lesson in presence, joy, and surrender. We often rush through life, caught up in plans and outcomes, but moments like these remind us to slow down and just be. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” And on that day, I saw beauty not only in the landscape but in the shared human experience, the laughter, and the simplicity of being alive.
Soul Insights
1. Savor the Present: Life is a collection of moments. Be fully present and enjoy each one. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).
2. Find Joy in the Unexpected: Plans can go awry, but beauty often lies in the unplanned. Laugh when the waves splash you, and let go of the need to control everything.
3. Embrace Connection: There is a unique bond in shared experiences. Whether with strangers or loved ones, these moments of shared joy can bring us closer and remind us of our common humanity.
4. Let Nature Refresh Your Spirit: The natural world has a way of grounding us. Whether it’s the wind on your face or the salty spray of the sea, let nature bring you back to the present and refresh your spirit.
5. Choose Happiness Daily: Happiness is not a destination but a choice. Choose to see the good, embrace the unexpected, and find joy in the journey, no matter how messy it may be. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
Final Thoughts
That afternoon cruise into the Calanques wasn’t just a tour of beautiful landscapes; it was a reminder of the beauty of life’s simple moments. It taught me to embrace the present, to laugh with strangers, and to find joy in the unexpected. Life’s adventures don’t always need a map; sometimes, they just need an open heart and a spirit ready to explore. As I reflect on that day, I am grateful for the lesson to slow down, to be present, and to savor every wave, every breeze, and every burst of laughter.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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