I made it to the coast. To the edge of this earth. My feet buried in the sand, and the tide approaches, and fully submerges my feet.

As I look out towards the vastness of the ocean, I see nothing. Just the distinct line that has been created between the ocean’s surface and the sky. What lies ahead? Nothing… or everything. But it is here that I have come. It only took me a total of 5 days and 4,689km. But I finally made it.

I don’t think it will find me here. But I’ve been wrong before. Other times I have attempted this escape, with little success. Days go by undisturbed until a few weeks in, the urge within begins to call. It starts off as a gentle whisper. A slight suggestion that maybe this time it will be different. What’s the worst that could happen? It allows me the honour to successfully make a few attempts. Teasers if you will, or a sample of the “good life”. But what I’ve learned is, this is how the trap is set. Once you think you can handle it, that’s when the true colours are shown, and the fangs come out. I’ve thrown it all away too many times to make this same mistake again. So I must deny any temptation to allow even a fraction of that world into my life. But how will I fill that space? The need to be accepted by others, to avoid the boredom? Establishing a routine seems like a great step in the right direction. But what sorts of things must I do to ensure I am creating the best the best version of myself? Well, he should be educated, fit, full of energy, and spending time doing things he loves. Great. So I will wakeup every morning before the crack of dawn. I will enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee while I write in my journal, research a new business venture, and build up some of my computer skills. Exercise should also be a part of this new routine. So let’s make sure yoga is performed while the coffee is still brewing. I could even do some basic resistant band exercises. If the surf is good, I should absolutely get myself into the water. But the alternative could be going for a run along these beautiful trails offered here. And a gym pass is one more reason to get myself lifting weights and putting on a bit of muscle. Eating habits have always been a tricky subject. But here, in a small beach town, there is no temptation of the fast food shuffle. No longer an easy option, this fight will be fairly easy. But let’s make sure several veggies fill the cupboards, and junk food is kept to a minimum. I think with all of these habits put in place, I should be fairly occupied most of the day. But what will happen when I am placed within their crosshairs? It’s going to happen eventually. It’s inevitable. So I must learn to stand tall. Build my willpower to overcome temptation. I am no longer interested in running. Here at the coast, I have run as far as I can. So here I am. Forced to face my fears head on. Perhaps I can invite them into the water. Where one may surely drown. But not me. As a child of the sea, I have learned to adapt to this new world that surrounds me. I have watched the swells, and timed the tides. It has grown as an instinct. This will be my saviour. It has to be.