The Ocean and I
It’s funny — I’m one of those people who love the beach but rarely fully submerge in the ocean. I’m not usually the first one running into the waves. But the truth is, the ocean has always been one of my greatest loves. For me, it’s not about diving in; it’s about sitting by its side, listening to its whispers, watching the horizon stretch endlessly, and soaking in the rhythm of the waves. The ocean speaks a language of calm I’ve always understood. If you asked me to choose between coastal or hinterland holidays, without fail it would always be by the water. Everywhere my husband and I travel, we always need a coastal destination — which makes sense, as we’re both water signs.
There’s something powerful about the way salt air and sea breezes affect us. Have you ever walked along the beach, sand beneath your feet, breeze across your face, and felt your shoulders drop, your breath deepen, and your mind soften? That’s not just in your head — it’s chemistry. Ocean air is rich in negative ions, which support serotonin regulation in the brain and have been linked to improved mood and reduced stress. No wonder so many of us feel instantly calmer by the sea.
During my pregnancy with Lani, I was blessed to spend over five weeks surrounded by the ocean — in Hawaii, Miami, and Mexico. Looking back, I don’t know how I would have managed without those grounding spaces, especially toward the end when I was exhausted, swollen, and just wanted to sleep. The ocean has always been part of my roots — a blended island girl at heart.
In the first few months of Lani’s life, I truly realised the healing impact of the sea. No one will ever fully understand what being by the ocean did for me during postpartum anxiety. I didn’t always get to go to the beach while coordinating Lani’s naps, but just being near it — watching surfers from my balcony or walking along paths overlooking the water — was quietly healing. Every time we left our second home by the coast, I felt the familiar knot return in my stomach.
By the ocean, it was different. I felt lighter. My mind was clearer. The noise of self-criticism dulled, and I could simply be. There, I was present. Grateful. Still. I even extended a few stays because I couldn’t bear to leave that sense of freedom and peace.
So, Love LANII pays homage to the ocean, to the coast.
What I learned through this season is how important it is to know your own grounding place. For me, it’s the ocean in Coolangatta with my family. For you, it may be somewhere else. Wherever it is, give yourself permission to return to that place as often as you can — especially during postpartum recovery, when your mind and body are navigating so much change.
Those little lifelines of calm matter. They’re not luxuries; they’re survival. And they may just pull you through the hardest days, the way the ocean did for me.
Love Monèt x
Founder, Love LANII
