Sometimes you just need to pack your stuff and get the hell out of dodge. Get out of the overcrowded, boxed-in, loud-ass city and retreat to calmer waters. Last Friday, I packed my beach bag and did just that. After doing some light research, I decided to check out Jacob Riis in Rockaway Beach. It was quite the 115-minute trek from Hell's Kitchen - but you know what? It was absolutely worth it. The water was a perfect, cool temperature and the gusting wind was refreshing on that hot summer day. There’s also a boardwalk there with wooden seats and a nice view of the beach, in case sand isn’t your thing. What's even better is that it’s perfect for those of us on a really tight budget. I spent only $8.50 going there, including food and transportation. Best $8.50 I’ve ever spent! At home, I packed a fat peanut butter and jelly sandwich, filled a water bottle that has a built-in filter (perfect for refills) and later bought a 99 cent bag of plantain chips and beef jerky at the local CVS Pharmacy. Here’s what else I brought with me:

Sunscreen (don’t waste your time with the spray kind, they suck), a notepad to write random thoughts in, headphones, a book for leisure reading, two towels (one for laying on and the other for drying when you rinse off), sandals, two shirts (one for the beach and the other to change into when you're heading back home), sunglasses and a hand-held umbrella (this umbrella was a party favor from a wedding, and I loved it!). To my delightful surprise, the paper umbrella worked as a great substitute for a beach umbrella.

It felt so good to get away from all the annoying distractions, disconnect from the grid and find some peace and clarity. Once I found a spot on the beach, I plopped down, closed my eyes and felt the sun's heat slowly warm me down to my bones. I sat there quietly, basking in its rays of gold. After getting lost in time and space for a while, I turned my attention toward the horizon; I tuned in to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore as it flooded my ears, drowning my thoughts and clearing my mind. I watched people live their lives, and felt connected to their happiness in moments of zeal. I read for a bit under my cute little paper umbrella, and later wrote down some thoughts on paper. As I was leaving, I decided to walk along the shore, letting my feet get wet and feeling the strong pull of the water whenever it receded. I finally stopped and turned my gaze back towards the horizon, and gave thanks to Mother Nature for giving us these safe havens to retreat to; a place that asks nothing of you and gives everything in return. A place to seek peace and enlightenment in hopes for a richer life. I hope you find the time to run away for a while and unplug too.

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." - John F. Kennedy