One of the main goals of my Do U! concept is to challenge yourself to get more out of life.
One way to do this is to try something new! Sure, it can be difficult - - it was for me. By the time I reached 27, I knew all that liked and didn't like - - there was no need to add or subtract from my list.
But thankfully, I encountered some experiences that changed all that and now I hope you can be open to change as well.
I have experienced 15 or so summers as an adult, and it seems that I have been able to take advantage of them less and less. As each summer approaches, I tell myself I'm definitely going to do this or go do that, tell friends we have to take a trip here or there. And then, as the summer winds down and I'm deciding what to do with my Labor Day, I think back on the summer and ask: Where do it go?? Well, I am not doing that this year! And I won't let you either!
So in the spirit of Do U! and trying something new, here is your Summer Challenge:
1. Enjoy It! The days are longer and the nights are hotter, so don't waste this time. We tend to get bogged down with work and other day-to-day activities in our lives. Make sure you find time for the park or shore, plan a couple of cookouts with friends or kick it with them at outdoor cafes. Especially if you are a recent graduate, be sure to take full advantage of the next few months - the "real world" will be here before you know it.
2. Going Solo: One thing that was difficult for me to embrace was kickin' it by myself. But then I got tired of missing out on experiences because friends cancelled last minute or were not down to go in the first place. After riding solo a few times, I quickly found out how much fun it can be - and liberating too! Start off small: catch a movie, grab a bite to eat or go see live music.When you are up to it, try taking a trip - alone. Yes, alone! Like Stella when she got her groove back, you can reconnect with yourself on an island or by treating yourself to a night at a local posh hotel.
3. Give Back: Another way to meet people while getting out to enjoy new experiences is to volunteer. Organizations from Big Sisters/Big Brothers to Habitat for Humanity always need your time and these activities will be particularly rewarding in the summer. Also, hurricane season is fast approaching and the Red Cross can always use donations of blood and clothes. Help plan a drive with your friends - sounds like another excuse for a party to me!
It's your summer, so enjoy it -- all of it! Know that whatever shape you are in now is probably the shape you're going to be in all summer, so don't use it as an excuse not to enjoy the beach or go out on the water. Get together with your folks and plan some parties where everyone chips in to save money - - and ANY space can host a party, so don't start!
Lastly, I challenge you to break a "rule" that you've set up for yourself. Accept the invite to that party with people you don't really know. Actually use those sick days you have been piling up. Have some romantic fun - - get caught in the rain, make out under the moonlight or try something you've never done (I'll leave that to your imagination). This summer is guaranteed to be hot so make the most of it and I'll expect a full report by Labor Day.
Check out Al B. in this month's Essence in the "What Men Think" section!
