Hey Ambitious Fam! While things are slowly starting to open back up, being around people is still a source of anxiety for me. Personally, I think that we still have some work to do to reduce the spread of Covid-19, and right now it is just not a risk that I am willing to take. This month’s bucket list will still be reflective of activities that I will be doing while maintaining social distance.
Here is how I am growing into a better version of myself this June:
Do More. Share More.
Social media this past week has given me all of the feels. It was amazing to see Black voices and profiles amplified and supported–mine included! The movement made me realize that I have to be less afraid of sharing my stories that are connected to my experience as a Black woman. In addition, I was reminded last week that I could also be doing more to support Black-owned businesses. If this amplification has taught us anything, it’s that Black creators and businesses are out there. They just may not have been given as much opportunity to shine. I’m committed to being more conscious of how I spend my money and how I use my voice beyond this month, but starting this month 🙂
Morning Walks
I have not been doing a great job at making sure that I get some fresh air and steps in while being safe at home. Yet, every time I go outside (read: about once a week for groceries and/or food pickup), I am surprised by how great it feels to have the sun touch my skin. It’s such a great mood booster! This month I want to be intentional about getting a morning walk in at least once a week. Definitely still planning on being socially distant from others, but it will be a nice addition to my exercise routine.
Declutter Inbox
I shared a story on Instagram recently about how having my Gmail app malfunction on my phone for weeks has been a blessing in disguise. For one, it has helped me realize how much I obsessively check my email. I habitually go to the app every time I open my phone (which is a lot…but that is a habit to break another time). Not checking it as frequently has also illuminated how much junk/promotional emails I have in my inbox. It’s overwhelming and they mostly end up getting deleted without being opened anyway! This month I am going to reinstall the app on my phone, but I am going to work on decluttering my inbox and stifle the desire to check my email obsessively.
New Natural Hairstyles
The secret is out–I cut my hair! Now that my hair is both shorter and completely natural, I have to learn how to care for and style my coils. Though I have already grown fond of the headband + curly fro combo, I am challenging myself to try a new hairstyle once a week in June. It will be fun to test out some new hair skills!
Paint By Numbers
This item is a Bucket List repeat, but I received my paint by numbers set from Bling Painting a little later than anticipated (totally understandable because, ya know, pandemic). I can report that the set does include everything that you would need to successfully create a piece of artwork! I started working on it some last week and it was super relaxing. Continuing to paint is going to help me unplug from the outside world.
Read a Physical Book
I love the convenience of my kindle, so much so that I have neglected the books on my shelves for years. For example, I used to subscribe to Book of the Month club and received Little Fires Everywhere in September of 2017, and yet, I’ve never read it. I’m going to give my kindle a little break and read some of the books that I already own or maybe even purchase a book from a Black-owned bookstore (click here for a list of Black-owned bookstores around the country!). Since we’re at the halfway point of 2020, expect a Mid-Year Book Review next month! Until then, feel free to follow my 2020 Reading Challenge on Goodreads!
This month, I am embracing more of social distance life by slowing down and being more intentional.
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