Things I Learned This Summer
In a few days summer is officially over and we will welcome the fall season. This summer has been busy for me and I told myself it was the best summer I have ever had. In between working and focusing on my self-care routine I was out enjoying the sun almost every weekend.
I was fortunate enough to have a healthy mix of alone time and social outings. I did some important inner work and propelled myself further toward a healthy healing state of mind. I forced myself to get out, have fun, and meet new people. Since I spend a lot of time alone it was important for me to open myself to a vast social life. I don’t regret it, well maybe my wallet does a little. But Hey!
In having so many experiences both personal and social I gained some new insight on myself and the world around me.
Here is what I learned this summer:
Just Say Yes
I made sure I said yes to every invite and opportunity that was presented to me. In doing so, I was able to put myself in rooms with different people and partake in new conversations. It allowed me to experience social circles and opened my mind to new ideas and ways of life. It wasn’t only fun being out, but I truly learned something valuable that I can carry with me as I move forward in life.
Saving and Spending
Being out and about this summer definitely hit my wallet different. I perfected balancing going out and having unrestricted fun with being disciplined about saving money. I made a commitment to myself to save 10% to 20% of every paycheck and made sure to pay my bills after my savings account was funded. Doing this allowed me to take an impromptu road trip to Baltimore and plan my upcoming trip to Washington, DC.
Protective Hairstyles
One of the best decisions I made this summer was to get Faux Locs. On my natural journey in past summers I would wash and go almost daily. It was easier and I got to sport my curls under the sun. In the past this created so much damage to my hair that every fall I had to basically cut it and sacrifice my efforts in length retention. Not only are Faux Locs inexpensive and low maintenance it also added to my summer sexy. Protective styles can enhance our healthy natural hair journey and add a few inches of growth. My goal is healthy waist length hair. Wish me luck!
Good People, Bad People
One of the benefits of being social is I got to experience firsthand different types of men and women. The best part of that is learning some people are kind and have their own mission in life. I began to understand deeply that we all share the same struggles in life, and we all want happiness, comfort, and love. The flip side to that experienced is interactive with unpleasant people. Selfish, ignorant, miserable, and ugly at heart. I learned through them what I never ever want to become. I learned that some will purposely try to turn your sunny days to clouds. I learned that no matter what you say and do some people are not ready to change and they seek pleasure in negativity. So, you just remove yourself from their world. Hey, you can’t help everybody. Especially not at the expense of your energy.
Relationship Building is Key
At the end of the day we need people. We feel, we learn, and we grow by connecting with others. Our life can expand in so many ways by building with others. Collaborating on creative projects, brainstorming ideas with friends, networking with individuals outside of your normal scope of life. All these experiences push us toward greatness and often pull us away from destruction. Being intentional about finding the right guy/girl or tribe is so necessary. This summer I exchanged so many ideas and energy with others, I began attracting who I needed and who needed me. Life is so beautiful!
I hope summer 2019 was a blessing to you as it was for me. If it was not what you expected its okay because fall is here, and we have another season to get things right and make the necessary changes for our life.