Lessons from Marty at the Beach: A Gray Pit Bull's Guide to Living Well

There’s a little slice of coastal magic at Fort Fisher, North Carolina—and my dog Marty, our gentle gray pit bull, knows exactly how to soak it in.

Every time we go, Marty approaches the beach the same way: calmly, joyfully, and on his own terms. He doesn’t charge toward the ocean or run miles along the shore. He takes a few steps into the sand, lets the wind ruffle his ears, and watches the waves roll in with quiet fascination. Sometimes, if he’s feeling brave, he’ll let the sea foam touch his nose. Then he posts up near the beach access and simply observes—the people, the dogs, the shifting light on the water. It’s his happy place. And twenty minutes of this is more than enough. Afterward, he’s totally content, relaxed, and ready for a nap that could rival a yoga retreat in its level of restoration.

And honestly? I envy him.

In a world that constantly tells us to hustle harder, go farther, and do more, Marty reminds me of the beauty in doing just enough. He doesn’t push himself beyond his comfort zone for the sake of performance. He doesn’t need to run into the waves to prove he’s having a good time. He knows what he loves: a soft breeze, some sand underfoot, and a front-row seat to the world going by.

Here’s what I’ve learned from watching Marty at the beach:

• Joy doesn’t have to be loud or long. A brief, beautiful moment—like a short stroll to the shoreline—can fill you up if you’re truly present for it.
• Rest is productive. Twenty minutes of calm can be more energizing than an hour of striving. Marty isn’t lazy; he’s tuned in to what his body and spirit need.
• You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Just because the world is splashing in the waves doesn’t mean you have to. Your version of fun, peace, and happiness is valid—even if it looks quieter or simpler than someone else’s.
• Boundaries are beautiful. Knowing when enough is enough is powerful. Marty doesn’t stay at the beach until he’s overstimulated or exhausted. He listens to his inner compass and heads home happy.
• Absorbing the vibe is a whole mood. You don’t always have to be the main character on the beach. Sometimes just soaking up the energy—watching, listening, feeling the breeze—is its own kind of bliss.

Marty may not be a philosopher, but he’s got a wisdom that’s easy to overlook: life doesn’t have to be maximized to be meaningful. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a short walk, let the wind kiss your face, and remind yourself that being present is enough.

So next time you find yourself chasing a “perfect” moment or pushing through exhaustion to “make the most” of something… consider doing what Marty does. Go just far enough. Breathe in the joy. Then go home and rest.

Because happiness doesn’t always look like a big adventure. Sometimes, it looks like a gray pit bull with sand on his paws, watching the waves roll in—completely content with the world. 🐾