I feel like winter can be the toughest season for singles. It's cold out so people are staying in and spending time with their boo/bae/boyfriend/husband. The major holidays bring with them a lot of engagements (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day) and a lot of questions from family at gatherings about your relationship status. But honey….summer is a different story! If you are going into the summer single, check out these 10 things to try this summer!
1. Road Trip!
Grab a friend, your mom, your dog, or just yourself and get in the car and go! Traveling as a whole is an amazing experience but there is something special about the open road with your music blasting and the summer breeze flowing through the windows. Google "Easy road trips from *insert your city* and pick the best looking one! Even if it's just for a day, do it!
2. Wine Tasting!
Wine tasting is such a great experience. Get cute and grab a girlfriend or two for a wine tasting experience. Ask questions about what you should pair different wines with and if you feel so inclined, buy yourself a bottle to take home. Hint: Look on Groupon for great wine tasting deals locally!
3. Get in the water!
As a black woman, I have often been on the "I can't get my hair wet" train. I'm getting off. I can't swim so I don't do the most but I make it a point to get in the water when the weather permits. Water is the most powerful and gentle force on earth and something about it changes you. After a long day at the beach or at the pool, I always feel both drained and energized. It's a special kind of energy exchange. Make it a point to get to somebody's pool or beach this summer.
4. Photoshoot
One of me and my closest friends love this one. One of our favorite things to do is look up the most Insta worthy spots we can find and go take amazing pics. It's free, fun, and it captures the essence of who you are in that very moment. I love reflecting and pictures are a great way to reflect on different seasons in your life. AND I have also mastered taking pics of myself using the timer on my iPhone. Some of my favorite shots of me, I TOOK MYSELF. Sometimes you gotta ride solo!
5. Parks
Parks are a forgotten gem. When we think of parks, we often associate them with kids. Adults can go to the park too! And they are generally scenic and FREE! Go stretch your legs, get fresh air, and be alone with your thoughts! Take your journal and find a bench and write. I guarantee you'll feel so good when you finish!
6. Museums
Not the boring ones! There are some LIVE museums around now. I have seen an Ice Cream Museum, A Heartbreak Museum, Wax Museums, Food Museums, and plenty of other amazing museums. Look up museums in your area and go check one out! And guess what? A lot of people go to museums alone so you will not be out of place if you decide to go solo!
7. Live music
One of my favorite things to do is listen to live music and spoken word! If you're in the San Diego area, you must come to NeoSoul Tuesday downtown! If you live in another city, look up live music events! There are sure to be some outdoor music festivals or spoken word events! Find cheap tickets and just buy them. It'll give you something to look forward to if you buy tickets in advance versus waiting until the day before and/or forgetting completely.
8. Outdoor exercise
As you can see, I am a huge fan of fresh air! It really makes all the difference. If you live in a cold place, you probably spent the majority of your winter indoors. Take every opportunity to get outside! Go find some outdoor steps to run, find an outdoor track, and/or an outdoor yoga class!
9. Do some good
Go volunteer. Donate. Do some good work. You will sow into the lives of others and it is one of the most fulfilling things ever.
10. Get uncomfortable
This one is on you. Try something completely new. Find a class, an event, or an experience that is totally out of your comfort zone. You never know what you'll find. Today, I went down a slide like a child. When I seen it, I was like "Oh hell no. I'm too grown for that!" and then I talked myself into it. It was the most exhilarating 10 seconds I've had in a long time! Uncomfortable but totally worth it!