How a Woman from Colorado Changed My Perception of the Ocean Forever

Harper Quill

Updated Friday, July 5, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a recent viral tweet, David (@DavidSHolz), a verified Twitter user, shared a poignant story that has resonated with thousands. The tweet recounts a transformative experience from David's childhood that underscores the beauty of seeing the world through another set of eyes.

At 14 years old, David found himself at the beach in his hometown, feeling indifferent and bored. He described his feelings with a casual "whatever," a sentiment many can relate to when surrounded by familiar scenery. However, his perspective shifted dramatically when a woman ran onto the sand, exclaiming, "It's the ocean!" Intrigued by her excitement, he learned that she had grown up in Colorado and had never seen the ocean before. Her awe and tears of joy at the sheer expanse of water, palm trees, and coconuts were a stark contrast to David's blasé attitude.

This encounter left a lasting impression on David. He realized how time can desensitize us to the beauty around us. The woman's fresh perspective made him see his beach in a new light, transforming his experience for the rest of his childhood.

The tweet has sparked a wave of comments from people sharing similar experiences. One user reminisced about the breathtaking view of the mountains in Colorado, contrasting the suburban landscapes. Another shared the joy of seeing ocean waves for the first time, having grown up away from any coastlines. These stories highlight a universal truth: the beauty of our surroundings often lies in the eyes of the beholder.

David's tweet serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the wonders around us and to view our world with fresh eyes. Whether it's the ocean, the mountains, or the city skyline, there is beauty to be found if we allow ourselves to see it.

For more moving stories and reflections on the beauty of the world, follow David on Twitter at @DavidSHolz.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

em***unt4271

I went down to the beach and saw Kiki and she was all like “nyeeeh” and I was like “whatever” ….Cuz this is My United States of Whatever!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viaTT859Yk0

sunnymonkey

I work in a big city. Everyday. I hate that city. But sometimes watching the buildings rise out of the lake as we ride north into the city can be rather breathtaking. I hold onto those moments. They remind me I'm alive

sesamestreetfighter

I'm from Colorado and I can relate. I'm in a bougie area and if you take one path to my house you see a suburban hellscape but if you go the pretty way you can see the whole front range on a clear day, from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. I hope I never forget how lucky I am to have such a spectacular view of the mountains.

charondaboatman

Similar. I grew up living on the water’s edge of the Chesapeake Bay. Then bought the house I grew up in. I was so jaded by the “Normalcy” of the presence of the water. When we moved in, my wife had to work the day the furniture came. There are huge glass windows that look out over the water. I had the couch and chairs facing away from them. She came home and just stared at the furniture and at me. She got it right away. She said, “I didn’t grow up here.” We moved the furniture. I got it.

Endocrom

Reversed situation: Snow

bchbum6

The ocean is my church. I have never felt more at peace than when I'm standing where the surf and sand meet, just starting at the vastness before me. I feel small. I feel insignificant. And that makes all the anxious thoughts and fear fade away. Because ultimately, it's small, and insignificant. And that's wonderfully reassuring.

Cruxisa

I mean, it's okay to not be amazed by something. It's not some personal failing to think "honestly, this beach isn't doing a whole lot for me." Maybe you find mountains more amazing, or a big city more fascinating, or a lush forest more beautiful. Finding joy and excitement in things is a good lesson, but I would think the better approach is to seek what honestly makes YOU feel that kind of joy, rather than convincing yourself you see it the way someone else does.

OnomatopoeicOnanisma

Had a visitor from a big modern city (Hong Kong?) come visit us in the high country. He had never seen perfect darkness, never heard total silence, never seen snow, never seen stars (or at least the milky way band). He was pretty awestruck. Once he got over naked flames, he was pretty excited for an open fireplace too. We don't realise what we have until it's gone.

ashleyburgia8

As someone who grew up in Colorado myself, and wanted to see the ocean so badly that I weekly had beautiful dreams about discovering secret, hidden oceans in the mountains of Colorado, I can confirm that it was magical and spiritual to me when I finally was able to see it.

ArgJargon

I grew up in Iceland... its been amusing how the stuff I started to take for granted around me is revered for its beauty in photos. Your normal becomes your normal wherever you are.