Last summer, I wrote an article for The Odyssey about summer romance. If you want to check that out, feel free to do so here.
Almost an entire year since posting "Why I Was Single This Summer" on the Odyssey, I am still single- I'm chuckling. It's alright because I still have the same perspective as I had in the article. In fact, I could've written it today. Looking back, I am beginning to realize that accepting my relationship status as a gift wasn't all that fun and easy. Honestly, no matter how independent we are, there is always that small tug at the back of our hearts that longs for a partner. Even though I'm kind of rolling my eyes right now at that corny statement, it's the truth. Nevertheless, no matter how true it is, my priorities at this point lie elsewhere... far away from the world of butterflies, cupid, and sappy romance. Especially during the summer, I find that we often have more time on our hands to notice our singleness. I know it's not always easy to see the single life as the lit life, so I want to walk y'all through the steps I take to ensure that I am getting the very best out of my single life this summer!
- Read a book
LOL. I totally sound like my mom right now, you guys. (It's the typical African parent answer for whenever you slip up and mope about how bored you are. Second only to, "go clean something in the house".) Really though, reading can open up your mind and introduce you to new perspectives and dialogues. As of late, I have been indulging in self-help books; some Christian, some not. I just love the inspiration and new ideas I get from these books that give me a fresh perspective on how to operate in my life. One book I read earlier this year is Unseen by Sara Hagerty. It's easy to feel unnoticed when no one is hitting you up and wanting to take you to a movie and dinner on a Friday night. This book definitely reminds me to snap out of it and reevaluate my worth in a way that is not measured by how many notifications and phone calls I get. Be sure to check it out right here:
2. Start a new hobby
I am embarking on many journeys this summer to mature myself and pick up new skills. The goal is to continuously progress and improve ourselves.There should never be a stagnant moment.
A few hobbies I have taken up so far include: (finally) learning Yoruba, drawing sketches, creating a bullet journal, and, of course, kick-starting my blog! Stay tuned for more posts as to how (and may
be even why) I got interested in these skills.
3. Meditation and self-reflection
Meditating is so amazing, you guys. If you haven't tried it, I implore you to start with at least five minutes a day. I sometimes like to incorporate it into my schedule first thing in the morning while I'm still in bed. Just be careful not to fall asleep, though! Meditating and self-reflection can happen in a number of different ways depending on your preferences. I, personally, like to check out my Bible app's verse of the day and meditate on that for a few minutes. It's a simple, easy trick to get your mind flowing with positivity and encouragement to get you through the day.
4. Connect with those around you
Sometimes, I believe we tend to take certain things in our lives for granted. We may not do it intentionally, but it is always important to examine ourselves and hold ourselves accountable when we are guilty of it. Just because I don't have a boo right now does not mean that I am lonely. I am surrounded by beautiful family and friends that need and deserve my attention. I feel like you can always get closer to the ones that you love. While I was at college, I obviously couldn't spend time with my siblings everyday, so I set up "Debbie and Me" dates for the summertime.They think I'm super cheesy for it but it's basically a mini-date with one sibling at a time. We do fun activities like going out to lunch, the park, watching their favorite show, and whatever else kids their age want to do with their big sister. Relationship-building and ability to love does not ever begin when a significant other comes into the picture. It starts when you decide it does. I suggest way before you begin dating. Remember, you are not two halves coming together, but two wholes coming together to make an even stronger whole... if that makes sense.
I'm going to leave you all with that for today. To stay updated on how these summer adventures are going for me, subscribe in the bar in the upper left corner of my page! I promise I won't spam your emails, it will just add to your overall experience on my site. What are some things you are doing this summer that complete you? Are there any books you are loving or skills you are picking up? Comment below!
I am embarking on many journeys this summer to mature myself and pick up new skills. The goal is to continuously progress and improve ourselves.There should never be a stagnant moment.
A few hobbies I have taken up so far include: (finally) learning Yoruba, drawing sketches, creating a bullet journal, and, of course, kick-starting my blog! Stay tuned for more posts as to how (and may
be even why) I got interested in these skills.
3. Meditation and self-reflection
Meditating is so amazing, you guys. If you haven't tried it, I implore you to start with at least five minutes a day. I sometimes like to incorporate it into my schedule first thing in the morning while I'm still in bed. Just be careful not to fall asleep, though! Meditating and self-reflection can happen in a number of different ways depending on your preferences. I, personally, like to check out my Bible app's verse of the day and meditate on that for a few minutes. It's a simple, easy trick to get your mind flowing with positivity and encouragement to get you through the day.
4. Connect with those around you
Sometimes, I believe we tend to take certain things in our lives for granted. We may not do it intentionally, but it is always important to examine ourselves and hold ourselves accountable when we are guilty of it. Just because I don't have a boo right now does not mean that I am lonely. I am surrounded by beautiful family and friends that need and deserve my attention. I feel like you can always get closer to the ones that you love. While I was at college, I obviously couldn't spend time with my siblings everyday, so I set up "Debbie and Me" dates for the summertime.They think I'm super cheesy for it but it's basically a mini-date with one sibling at a time. We do fun activities like going out to lunch, the park, watching their favorite show, and whatever else kids their age want to do with their big sister. Relationship-building and ability to love does not ever begin when a significant other comes into the picture. It starts when you decide it does. I suggest way before you begin dating. Remember, you are not two halves coming together, but two wholes coming together to make an even stronger whole... if that makes sense.
I'm going to leave you all with that for today. To stay updated on how these summer adventures are going for me, subscribe in the bar in the upper left corner of my page! I promise I won't spam your emails, it will just add to your overall experience on my site. What are some things you are doing this summer that complete you? Are there any books you are loving or skills you are picking up? Comment below!
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