Summer Is Here, and So Is the World Cup!
A month of hosting, a month of giving and receiving love, and a month of beautiful memories!
As I continue to journey through life, I take gratitude in the experiences I have gained along this journey called life and honestly wouldn’t change it for anything. From the experiences I have gained at work to simply being someone who shows up and is always willing to support my colleagues whenever they need me, to the everyday conversations that lead to new knowledge, June was filled with growth. One of my biggest accomplishments this month was completing all the steps for my Nurse Aide license and mailing off all of my paperwork to the Board of Nursing. Fingerprinting was probably the only part where I had a few difficulties trying to find a location. Now, the next step is simply waiting for my license.
This month started off amazingly. I hosted my Mom, who spent some time with me before heading back to LIB. Having a place where she could come, visit, and be comfortable meant so much to me. Just knowing that I am trying my best and hearing her repeatedly tell me how proud she is of me is something I don’t take for granted.
My Aunt also invited us to watch Queen of Soca, a Trinidadian movie, and that was such an amazing experience. The movie follows a young woman who dreams of becoming an artist despite her mother not supporting that path for her daughter. She didn’t let that stop her from chasing her dream, and in the end, she fulfilled it, with her mother eventually coming around to support her. It was such a beautiful reminder to keep believing in yourself.
As I mentioned, June was definitely my hospitality month. I also hosted a good friend of mine and celebrated another trip around the sun with them. I am grateful to have been the person they decided to spend their born day with. I made a Bundt cake and accidentally put pecans on top, but overall I was told it was bomb! We did the usual tourist activities, explored the National Mall, and walked around the city. That walking definitely made me realize all over again just how brutal DC summers can get.
We also got the chance to attend the Morocco vs. Brazil watch party hosted by DC United. It was simply beautiful to see so many people come together to support their countries and enjoy the game. Moments like these remind me how sports have a way of bringing people together.
Lastly, I hosted my Aunt, and this was her first time visiting me in my space since I moved to DC. That alone made me so happy. It was really nice having her over and simply enjoying each other’s company. I made stuffed salmon bell peppers with couscous and a salad, and thankfully, she really enjoyed it.
Apart from everything I have going on, I told myself a few months back that I needed rest and a change of scenery, somewhere with beaches. So I took some time off work to simply be at the beach, rest, and reflect. If I lived next to a beach, I honestly think I would be there every single day. I had been counting down to this trip for months, and it has been everything I hoped it would be. I have been nothing but at ease along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, specifically in Nayarit. I have nothing but gratitude in my heart for this trip. The peace that I have found within myself is something I don’t want to lose.
It’s true what they say, you can solo travel, but you’re never really alone. People naturally come up and start conversations, and before you know it, you’re sharing stories and learning about each other’s lives. I have been told multiple times that it’s beyond brave for me to travel to this part of Mexico by myself. Honestly, I’m an adventurer at heart, and life is all about taking risks. So this is exactly what I’m doing.
Maybe that’s what June was all about. The sun really did shine on everything I touched this month, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.
June, I owe you nothing but gratitude. Thank you for the love, the growth, the memories, the laughter, the rest, and the reminders that life is meant to be lived fully.
Your gyal is at peace, and carrying a heart full of joy.