Down in MI, MI, MI, M.I.A.!
Since I chose to do a staycation last year, I made sure to plan a destination vacation this summer. I learned so many things about myself and about life in the process.
- Life is short. Book the flight. There will never be a perfect time to practice self-care. Work has been super stressful lately and I had some vacation time that I could either use or lose. Whether you are in desperate need of a mental health break, or craving a change of scenery, no one is going to care for you like you. Hang up a map. Throw a dart. Book the flight.
- Stop waiting for people! If you are a single lady like myself, it is easy to find yourself putting off important life experiences in hopes of one day sharing them with a spouse. Maybe your thing is canceling plans because you are waiting for flaky friends or relatives to scrape their coins together. Stop that! Book the trip and go solo. Social media encouraged me to do this. As I get older, waiting for people is no longer an option. It is a set up for unmet expectations. Traveling solo gives you the opportunity to experience your destination on your own terms. No waiting for other people to arrive or get ready. No doing activities you don’t want to do. Plan for a party of one and go have fun.
- Be safe. I have to admit there were some activities I wanted to do, but didn’t feel 100% comfortable because I would be going alone. This included exploring Miami nightlife. I didn’t think it was in my best interest to go wandering around after dark for the sake of taking pictures for the ‘Gram. Research your destination and make plans that err on the side of safety.
- Embrace whatever body you have to give. Although I have lost a lot of weight, my body is not perfect. My body will probably never be perfect, especially if I hold it to society’s ridiculous standards of beauty. I refused to be the plus size girl wearing cardigans or denim jackets to hide her flabby arms. I refused to be the plus size girl wearing shorts and a t-shirt to the beach because my stomach ain’t on ‘flat flat.’ This summer was gonna get whatever body I gave it. What better way or time to embrace the skin you are in than being miles away from home? Am I saying run around ‘naked and unashamed?’ No, lol! I am saying find the part of your body you love and accentuate it. By doing this you may begin to discover other parts you want to accentuate as well. Sleeveless? Check. Off the shoulder? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Two piece bathing suit?! Check check. Whatever you chose, wear it with a smile and slay!
5. Relax. Relate. Release. Don’t be like me. I wanted to do all the things. I was on Groupon and CheapTickets booking yacht tours and hop on hop off bus tours. I got off the plane, put her bags in the hotel, and went wandering through the mall. As I packed to return home, I realized that I didn’t really relax. This taught me the value of planning a balanced trip: 50% activity. 50% relaxation.
Overall, I am grateful for my experience. Have you ever taken a solo trip?
Different by Design 
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