50x50 1st Quarter
In January, I started private swim lessons to be able to enjoy the water more; worked with a match maker and met a lovely man from Texas, it didn’t work out AND it taught me a lot ! Spent time with my mom and Kahh for his birthday....and went to visit non profit organizations, as a funder (working in philanthropy), and met with other funders in person, around NY & NJ (first time doing this in my role ). Started using a bullet journal, which has been a gift to help organize my life and all the work and life trips.
In February, I learned to dive and swim across the entire lane in the pool. Me diving into 9ft water . I spent a week in Sarasota, FL with my friend Marti! We did Aerial Yoga and I learned how to play pickleball In Aerial yoga I hung upside down (great release for my lower back), floated in the air and loved it! In learning a new game, pickleball, somehow my eye hand coordination was not an issue. I ran around the court, hitting the ball and was told my backhand is good! Y’all know I love some words of affirmation, so I smiled and beamed on the court! As many of you know, I have been journaling 3-5 days/week since the pandemic with a group online. We have become friends because what we have shared during the pandemic cemented relationships, healed us through losses and generally has woken up new parts of my creative brain. In February, I was able to meet a journaling group member, whom I have been journaling with for over 2 years, Sherri was in NYC and I got to wrap my arms around her neck and laugh with her in person.
In March, I attended an event where Kahh was a panel expert at an OGX event, while there, I was introduced by Kahh, to the editor of Allure magazine, Jessica Cruel, (shout out to Black women stepping into big spaces!) ....I did my first solo trip to New Orleans and my first helicopter ride, (I’ve been to NOLA twice before once with my friend Pam, who lived in NOLA for a few years, and another time for a conference with colleagues). I took a helicopter ride over the city and buoy, it’s gorgeous, walked the streets of Treme (tour with Treme Luxury Experience), visited Baldwin Books, took hot yoga classes and saw myself reflected back in the history, artistry, food, and love of dance! Then I headed to Philly for four days, where I celebrated my brother Kenneth's 40th birthday ...While there for the party, I also went to dinner with both my brothers, visited Harriet's Bookstore and had lunch, with my sister, at my favorite vegan and gluten free restaurant in Philly, PS&Co., did hot yoga and rested in a beautiful Airbnb...
The first quarter of 2023 I also, with my friend Shondra, announced our first wellness retreat in Trinidad and Tobago and then announced the cancellation. We learned a lot during these last few months and are excited to host the retreat in 2024, with more wisdom, time, and connections leading up to the date. Dreaming with Shondra has been a gift, I will continue to share more about the journey...
I have to say, doing novel things has really helped me step out of my comfort zone, dream more, and confront a few of my fears.
I ended the quarter singing, Hello Fear, by Kirk Franklin… it’s a song that lets fear know I’m letting go!
What have you been up to?
Looking forward to some adventures with many of you- some of those include glass blowing, skydiving, hot air balloon riding, pole dancing, seeing more plays, going to the Opera, etc...
