Wow. This year has taken me places physically and mentally. There were some deaths and I just gave up doing a lot. My mind wasn't in the right place. So, I just stopped. I recently decided "Forget that." I started taking every single opportunity to say yes.
I am powering through my Master's degree and that hasn't stopped me from working hard on my personal life. I joined some recreational teams, but I not that focused on that now. I started to just simply say "yes."
I was hanging out with a friend at a bar and my brother called me and said "Do you want to go to Canada?" I said "Duh, yes." Canada was a week ago and it truly was amazing. I saw murals, ate so much food, and did a lot of self reflection. I am still working with who I am. That small vacation pushed me forward and forward. I spoke up when I wanted to do things and just did things. One night at a karaoke bar, in French speaking Montréal, I did a beautiful version of "Holdback Girl." I am not a singer, but that didn't stop me from committing.
A day later, I went to work and then went to a concert. SonReal and Jon Bellion were touring and I had to go. I luckily somehow managed to talk my way into getting invited onto SonReal's tour bus before the show. I got to listen to his new EP with him and two others. I must say, August 12th download The Name, it is going to make him famous. He was so incredibly nice and even more amazing live.
Jon Bellion did not disappoint. He was an incredible performer. He didn't stop. His mixed of future adult theme Disney music kept the crowd going and not one moment of boredom. His presence was extremely in that moment. He made the crowd feel like this was the only stop on tour and he was there for them and with them. Not many performers can have that connection.
Yesterday, I took a bus from Philly at 6 am to travel to NYC to march in Pride with Moms Demand Action. This moment changed me. We can be a positive change and still have fun. I remained at the back of the group dancing the whole time. I got people to cheer and I got people to smile. There were moments like "I wish I had a white boy like him" that made me blush and made me smile. The whole tiring, crazy, beautiful, huge day was something that I am going to keep with me.
This life is something not to mess up. Say yes, be the change. I am trying so hard to be better and build my resume of life, and going stronger. Here's to more yes and more life happening.
