One Love Reset by the Sea!

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now I know better, I do better.” ~Maya Angelou

Charles and I are in our happy place near water, it’s something refreshing, revitalizing, and resetting for us, when we are near the water. We are delighted to be sharing this post from Bournemouth, England. Bournemouth is a two-hour direct train ride from London, and is positioned on the English Channel. This lovely seaside town with a beach that runs about seven miles from end to end and takes you to some of the most incredible site, interesting towns, and historical landmarks.

We visited Bournemouth a year ago and our main objective was to spend time by the sea, therefore we chose an apartment on the cliffs, offering views of the water. The only downside, if you want to call it that, was the area could get quite crowded, and weekends were especially crowed. However, we left Bournemouth with a desire to come back and explore more of what the surrounding areas had to offer.

So here we are again, but this time we’re staying in a peaceful neighborhood in the town of Poole, just next to Bournemouth. Although the beach is not as close, we are able to get there with ease taking the bus. The bus stop is a short 5 minutes’ walk away giving us access to explore many areas with ease and also have a quick bus ride to the beach. Our bus riding adventures have been very interesting and has allowed us to meet more people, which is always a bonus. 

I particularly like the way bus drivers are acknowledge and appreciated by everyone getting on and off the bus, “Hello Driver/Thank You Driver”!  Amazing how just a few words and a smile can make a person’s day.  Also, buses wait for people hurrying to catch a ride, maybe it’s the smiles (ha). The last time we were here in Bournemouth we walked everywhere. The only bus ride we had was the City Tour, Hop On, Hop Off bus.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned on this journey, it’s that change is the only constant. This time in Bournemouth, we’re exploring beyond the coastline and riding buses like we are part of the local community. Along the way, we’re discovering incredible historical sites, enjoying local restaurants and cultures. Most importantly we are meeting and connecting with new people and hearing their stories.

Our current Airbnb hosts shared a book with us to read that gives amazing places and sites to explore around the area.  The book is very well written and illustrated entitled “111 Places in Poole That You Shouldn’t Miss” by Katherine Bebo‍ ‍

Our accommodations have set the tone for a lovely stay. Although we don’t have sea views from the kitchen window, we do have a lovely garden area to enjoy. Our host Barbara and Mark have also made us feel right at home, welcoming us into their cozy “Daisy Annex” (think quaint beach cottage). This charming, detached space is tucked away in the back of their home and has provided the perfect little retreat for us.

One of the advantages of where we are staying is that the village of Westbourne is only about a 10-minute bus ride away. We enjoyed exploring the shops and restaurants in the Westbourne area last year, and this time around, Charles has especially enjoyed riding the bus for some me-time with a hot cup of tea and browsing the shops of Westbourne.

I am generally out on the beach, taking a stroll and enjoying some me-time of my own. As much as we love spending time together, being here by the sea with our bus passes has given us the opportunity to explore on our own as well.

The beauty of our solo time is that we get to come back together and share our experiences, which is really nice. Being able to have that “me-time” is just one of the many gifts that Bournemouth has offered us.

Speaking of gifts, celebrating Charles 83rd Birthday here by the sea was a truly a huge gift for us. Our friend Sara Jane who we met last year here in Bournemouth, so graciously invited us on a nature walk and for fish/chips at the cliffs overlooking the sea. It was such a beautiful time filled with laughter, conversation, and even an impromptu swan parade. To add joy to an already amazing day, Barbara and Mark invited us out to a lovely bar overlooking the sea for sunset; where we had a birthday toast to Charles.  I am very pleased to report that Charles really felt celebrated and appreciated on his special day, which is what it’s all about in One Love.

Our time by the sea has also sparked a creative flow which we are tapping into for completing the 2026 Love Drop Podcast recordings, working on our perspective manuscripts and most importantly living in total gratitude for what is and what is to come.

Here’s the thing about resets, sometimes it can appear as a disaster.  For instance, I recently backed up all of my computer files onto my external hard drive thinking it would keep them protected and just days after, I have an issue that is preventing me from opening my external hard drive. (What a cosmic joke) I wasn’t laughing at first, but now all I can do is laugh.

Even as I type this blog post, I am still unsure how things will turn out, however I am grateful that once I finish this post I will go for a walk by the sea.  I have PEACE in whatever the ending to my hard-drive story will be and that my friend is a GIFT!

I guess it’s fair to say one of the greatest gifts of vitamin sea for us has been; PEACE! We actually extended our staying in Bournemouth for a couple of weeks, shout out to Barbara and Mark for graciously accepting our request to extend. Stay tuned for what’s to come!

Thank you for reading and supporting our journey with your love, feedback, and love drops!  Until next time stay connected by checking out our YouTube Channel and tuning in to the Love Drops Podcast.

With Gratitude! One Love Diane and Charles