A walk on the beach Book

This is the third volume in a loose autobiographical trilogy about Anderson's experiment with taking a break from her marriage and living alone in a Cape Cod cottage to figure out what she really wanted from the rest of her life. Specifically, this book is about the inspirational relationship she formed with Joan Erikson, who moved to the area in her eighties when her husband, the famous psychologist Erik Erikson, was admitted to a care home. Joanie was a thinker and author in her own right, publishing books on life's stages, especially those of older age. She encouraged Anderson to have the confidence to write her own story, and to take up challenges like a trip to Peru and learning to weave on a loom. Joanie's aphoristic advice is valuable, but there's a fair bit of overlap between this book and A Year by the Sea, which I would recommend over this.

Some of Joan Erikson's words of wisdom:

"our devotion to our routines causes us to lose sight of each other as separate individuals."

"Doing something with your hands, rather than your head, is often the best route to clarity."

"It's a weakness to just sit around and wait for a life to come to you."

"wisdom comes from life's experiences well digested. Stop relying so much on your mind and get in touch with experience."

"Taking chances and risking routine are two important ingredients for keeping alive."

"The struggle is to try and obtain a sense of participation in your life the whole way through. We must treasure old age, but not wallow in nostalgia."