It’s a basic necessity of life. Of course, we love it and the idea of it. It covers much of the planet we live on. I’ve always been fascinated with water and all of its powers. I’m a water sign (Pisces all the way), and I’ve always felt most at peace surrounded by the H2O.

My mom always tells me that I was the happiest as a child when I was in the water or around it. Whether I was in the pool, bathtub, ocean, or even just sleeping on the washer and dryer, it didn’t matter. I stopped crying and knew that I was okay when I heard the rushing of the water or felt the slight pull of the current gliding past my legs and arms. When I learned to swim, I picked up easily and didn’t have any fears of jumping in or being on my own. I may not be the most competitive swimmer, but I always find that out any of my summer past-times, swimming is my favorite.

My wardrobe growing up consisted of t-shirts and shorts covering up my swimsuit. My dad and I drove to Tybee Beach every single weekend, and although I was annoyed at the fact that we went every weekend, it was still a part of me. All I ever wanted was to sprint down the warm, glowing sand into the cool ocean water where I felt most at home. When I found out that we were moving to Cumming, a part of me felt shut down. The ocean was my home, and I wouldn’t have that safe haven every weekend. Over time, it has become easier not having the ocean a fifteen-minute drive away.

Cruise ships have always been some of my favorite vacation memories. All of the fun activities allowed my family to bond together in incredible new places. However, falling asleep on the boat was one of the most relaxing memories I have of the trips. Climbing into my bed, getting all cozy and being soothed to sleep by the rocking feeling and sound of the waves is something I wish I could do every single night. No matter what body of water it is, water wraps me with this feeling of calmness, happiness and comfort. I guess I can say that I relate to Moana as the water “calls me" in its own way.

Picture your safe haven. Maybe it's your own bed or the feeling of home. I find sanctuary in my home, but there is no place that I'd rather be than by the water or in it. One day, I imagine myself sprawled out on a lounge chair looking beyond to the beach in front of me and saying, "This is home."