I DO
Now that I finally feel like I found my footing and have snapped back to the reality of my normal routine I wanted to write. We often hear that saying “ I Can or I Will”. How often do we hear “ I DO?”
Earlier this month I celebrated another wonderful travel around the sun. My age, well it’s not that important because I am convinced you are as old as you feel. For the first time ever I took 10 whole days off and I wanted to share my vacation experience. Of course by the end of this post I will find a way to connect this experience to Career Development, College Preparation, and Student-Athlete Eligibility Education.
Day One: I took the day to get my hair( Stylez by P), feet, nails, and done at a local spa called RiverSong Spa. This was an amazing experience and one in past times I could never find time to go to. Oh I forgot to add I also experienced my first Brazilian wax and baby, let me tell you it was completely refreshing! So as I walked into the spa I was greeted with smiling faces, a beverage, and snacks! It was so relaxing and the ambiance in the spa was so peaceful and serine.
Here is their website: https://www.riversongspa.com/
Day Two and Three: My best friend Carlita and I caught a red eye flight which was an experience in itself because we did not get sleep the night before. We never paid for parking at the airport so this whole process at 3am in the morning was quite entertaining. The shuttle driver was so gracious and inquired about our travel plans. He then gave me some pesos and a $2 bill and wished me an early happy bday. We spent most of the day traveling with a long layover in Charoltte North Carolina. In the airport we thought we saw the Isley Brother you know, “ MR BIG”, turns out it was actually Charlie Wilson. We traveled to Tampa and stayed in a wonderful Condo overlooking Clearwater Bay.
Later that midafternoon I was able to have a professional photoshoot to celebrate life, freedom, self-love, and to really take a stand on body shaming. Shoutout to my dear friend Sterling. His business website can be found here: https://www.shutternduljence.com/
I continued that evening with fellowship with friends, music, the pool, and lots of drinks.
Day 4-8: I took my first cruise provided by Carnival, which gave me so much time to reflect. Growing up I always loved the beach. It is something about water and its fluidity that gives me peace and happiness.
My first stop was to the Grand Cayman Islands. I arrived first in George Town, then went to West Bay, Rum Point, and East End. I love the people and a small taste of the culture we were introduced to. We had homemade rum cake as well. Sitting here I can still taste how sweet and juicy my first bite was. I also spent time at Seven Mile Beach. This place by far was the most beautiful beach I have ever traveled to. I definitely want to take my daughter!
The next stop was Isla de Cozumel. My goal was to meet locals here and get out the tourist area for the day. When I set goals, I ACHIEVE them! I was so excited to finally put my Spanish degree to use! I met a young man named Pollo which in Spanish means Chicken! He set us up with a driver and host for the day. It was so interesting to see how Cozumel resembled places like Manhattan and downtown Chicago. There was so much love and hospitality. I was taken on a tequila tour, a private beach, and to an authentic Mexican food restaurant. We had fresh guacamole made for us! I think by the time I got to the beach I had too much tequila so I am sorry that I can’t tell you the name. I do however, remember it was at the south end of the island because we were granted free access to the beach. I plan to go back here and connect with my friend Pollo and our host Eduardo. The next days were spent at sea I sunbathed, ate drank, and danced so much my feet and skin burned. I did a lot of praying and thanked God for so many things. I am sure I am leaving so much out but just go on a cruise when you can. HAHA
Day 9 and 10: Were filled with more travel and reflections. Here is what I learned:
Turning a year older, for me, comes with more wisdom. This next year symbolizes triumph after a year or two if you ask me of failure. I learned that you manifest more once you find the ability to let go and look inward. Self-care is and should be a priority. To sum this post up is to say these four things
1. BE WHO YOU ARE AND OWN IT
2. RESIST THE URGE TO COMPLAIN
3. BE PRESENT AND BE MINDFUL
4. BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF LOVE
How is any of this connected to my business you may be wondering? It’s back to the idea of “ I DO”! When you first choose that career, that college/university, or that team the first step you must tell yourself is “ I DO”. This is a full pledge of commitment to your goal, dream, and vision. Much like I was committed to save for a year to take myself on this trip! So today folks I encourage you to commit to whatever it is you want to do in life! Tell that goal “ I DO”
