There are places we go to get away — and then there are places we go to come back to ourselves.
For me, that place is Nantucket. It may be a long journey from California, but over the past twenty years, it’s become a sacred part of my summer — a family tradition and a personal retreat that nourishes my environmental and emotional well-being.
Unplugging with Purpose
In a world that rarely stops buzzing, taking time to unplug isn’t just a luxury — it’s a form of self-preservation. Nantucket gives me the space to do just that. It invites me to disconnect from my phone, social media, and the pressure of always being available, and instead reconnect with something more lasting: nature, stillness, and presence.
The island has preserved its charm with wild beaches, iconic lighthouses, and winding cobblestone streets. It’s only 47.8 square miles, which means you can easily swap cars for bicycles — and that’s exactly what I do. Whether I’m riding to the market or to the beach, being on a bike helps me slow down and notice the beauty around me.
Memories in the Making
Nantucket is woven into the fabric of my family’s story. I’ve been pregnant here, rested under striped umbrellas, wandered through Bartlett’s Farm with toddlers hanging off my shopping cart, and sipped iced tea after long, sleepless nights. My children learned to ride bikes on this island, and we’ve spent rainy afternoons at the Whaling Museum, movie nights at Dreamland, and peaceful Sunday mornings at Union Chapel.
From fishing trips on Just Do It Too to donut runs to The Downyflake, every summer brings new memories layered on top of old ones. This island has witnessed our growth, our laughter, and the sacred messiness of everyday life.
More Than a Vacation
But Nantucket is more than a destination — it’s a state of mind. It’s where I let go of structure and allow serendipity to guide the day. There’s something powerful about giving yourself permission to slow down. To read a book in the shade, to sit on a porch and watch the sky change color, to forget what time it is.
As someone who cares deeply about environmental health, I’ve realized it’s not only about what we remove from our air, food, or homes — it’s also about what we invite in. Clarity. Stillness. Joy. A walk without a destination. A laugh with friends. A night without screens.
Bringing the Island Home
When we board the ferry to Hyannis each year, we toss a penny into the harbor — a small ritual of hope that we’ll return. But I always remind myself: I don’t need to wait until next summer to feel this way.
I can create space for peace at home through small, intentional acts:
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A daily walk outside without my phone
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Tech-free dinners with family
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No screen time after 8 PM
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A weekend unplugged from social media
Science backs this up. Just 20 minutes in nature a day can significantly boost energy and mood. And it doesn’t have to be a beach in Nantucket. It can be a bench under a tree, a garden path, or a quiet park around the corner.
Recharge Your Own Way
Whatever recharging looks like for you, I encourage you to commit to it. You don’t have to fly across the country or wait for summer. You simply have to be willing to pause, breathe deeply, and let life slow down — even just a little.
Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
