What a Hunt for Seashells Can Teach You About Life

On a recent beach vacation to Sea Island, Georgia, I was on a quest to find the perfect collection of shells.

My intention was to gather and display them in a basket as a reminder of this particular summer getaway with my soon-to-be college freshman daughter.

Within minutes of my quest, I happily spotted a beautiful shell glistening in the water. But, when I reached down to fetch it, I found it was weathered and cracked. Disappointed, I tossed it. I then noticed a second magical looking shell submerged in the sand. Unfortunately, as quickly as I reached for it, a wave washed it away. I put my foot on another, but I could not hold the shell between my toes as once again, the tide was too strong.

Each time I thought I found the “perfect” shell, it wasn’t what I expected. However, I did notice that every marred, broken and battered shell was curiously striking and unique.

What can the hunt for shells teach about the real world?

No Two Shells are Alike

In life, neither are people. Similar to shells on the beach, humans are all different. What makes people distinctive are their fissures and cracks. Flawless is unrealistic and perfection is only found in fairy tales. There is deeper beauty in both broken shells and damaged, but resilient people.

Nothing Stays the Same

Each day I found a changing array of beautiful designs on the sand, thanks to nature’s incredible artwork. Accept it, or not, nothing stays the same. No matter how beautiful the designs in the sand or the elaborately created sand castle, the tide will eventually come in and wash it away. In life, strikingly wonderful is the fact that a new opportunity is always waiting. It reminded me that letting my last daughter launch is what I have been preparing and practicing for, for the past 18 years.

Be Grateful for the Surprises

Whether it’s a piece of sea glass in your basket or an occasional cloud in the sky, be appreciative of the unexpected. It may not be what you had planned, but it may certainly be in the plans for you. Whether it is disguised as a travel opportunity, a new business venture, or the next big step, don’t hesitate to embrace the challenge. My mentor used to say, “Just close your eyes and jump,” (or swim or kayak or sail or skate or walk or paddleboard)… just do it one foot in front of the other.

Sometimes You Have to Hold On With Your Toes

We all know that life is not always easy. Trying to squeeze a shell between my toes and feeling it wash away was similar to letting each one of my kids go off to college. Acknowledging there will be times in life you have to move forward in a different direction is both freeing and empowering. Living in the past instead of enjoying the present moment is a sure guarantee to miss the beautiful moments happening right now. Splash around in the water, let your feet feel the earth and let your soul breathe. Experience every moment.

Gather Your Posse

One particular day, a wedding was taking place on the beach. People were laughing and dancing and it looked from a distance like they were having an incredible time. You could tell the guests were genuinely connected and enjoying themselves. They had found their tribe. It may be a large group of friends or only a trusted few, but knowing you have someone to rely on is an invaluable gift and blessing. Surround yourself with those who make your heart sing.

Keep it Simple

We all strive for “the best,” which often rewards us with a busy life filled with daily tasks to live in a particular income bracket or zip code. Perhaps today it’s time to refocus on quality rather than quantity. One unique, hand-picked, irregular formed shell and a couple of interesting rocks became more valuable than a big, colorful, plastic pale of purchased, perfect seashells at the gift shop. My collection cost nothing and the experience of the hunt will always be a priceless memory.

Whatever your collection, make it worth the pursuit!

You may also like Finding Grace in the Gray Areas of Life. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.