Lindsay said something that struck me. She said that “you are complex but the world is simple.” You hear people say all the time, that the world is chaotic, but we forget sometimes that it is us—everyone—that creates that chaos. It is nice to be reminded that we control what amount of peace and joy we want to have in this world.

I asked Lindsay if we could accompany her for a sunrise surf. She agreed, so Mary Claire and I woke up early(worth it) and went with her to San Onofre State Beach.

As you can see, it was beyond beautiful, a magical way to start the day in the earth’s humble beauty, a great way to find some joy and a little peace.

I leave you with a powerful quote Lindsay knows to be true.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

– Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

photos Mary Claire Roman