Terror and awe - This is what I feel when I photograph waves. I am completely in love with and terrified of the ocean.  A yin and yang undulating within me mirroring the intensity of the surf.

But this day was different. As the waltz of sand and sea twisted and swirled past I was filled with longing and nostalgia. With each wave that danced past me a new surge of desperation overwhelmed me. I was missing IT and I didn’t even know what IT was. Untouched and unchanged on the shore, a deep sense of loss and complacency flooded my heart.

I am a middle-aged woman rebuilding my life after repeated, devastating setbacks. I often feel behind in life; like I have missed my chance to reach my full potential. But, before the defeat can pull me under another wave surges towards me, then another and another….and a smile sweeps across my face.

I have missed many an opportunity. Some, I have wasted. Others, I traded for health and happiness and although I currently feel adrift and out of time, the opportunities will keep coming. Like waves - over and over. Some will pass by me because I am not ready or they aren’t right for me. But more will come and someday I will be ready. I will ride my wave, and surely, I will fall and get back up and ride another. This is life.
The universe doesn’t care how old we are…it continues to offer until we are ready to receive.