Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to the ocean.

I can thank my parents for this with the many beach trips we took when I was younger. Of course, I can also thank them for my middle name of Morgan which means, "lives by the sea."

My parents are the type of people who park their chairs and umbrella on the beach from 8 in the morning until the sun sets that night. Rain or shine, if they had planned a beach day, you will find them out there. They will even go to the beach in December for a little escape and be completely bundled up in sweatshirts and sweatpants.

As long as they're on the beach, they're in their happy place.

I think there is something almost magnetic about the atmosphere of the beach, from the salty air to the smiles on everyone's faces. Being at the beach makes everything seem okay for a little while. It may be 98 degrees outside, but if you're overlooking the ocean, it's all alright. You could be absolutely exhausted from work or a car ride, but once your toes hit the sand, your worries disappear. Something magical must be in the water that just makes all of life's burdens seem to dissipate.

I'm the person who cracks her window in the car as soon as we pass over the bay so I can get a whiff of the air that I have craved for so long. Then, as soon as I see the ocean, all the windows go down and a smile spreads across my face. Although I'm not usually as much of a die-hard beach-goer like my parents, I'd like to think I'm close to their level.

As I've gotten older, I have come to realize that life still continues while you are relaxing on the beach. After all, currently I'm looking out at the ocean from inside the beach house because I had to submit this. But even though I still have responsibilities, I find myself much less stressed about them here.

The beach has always been my happy place, and I hope one day it will become my kids' happy place. I want the beach to be the escape for them that it has been for me. So I'll hopefully follow my parents' lead and continue on the cycle of beach loving people.