This year for summer travel, I decided to ditch the luxury villas and the European tours, and visit friends and family instead. Part of the reason I didn’t do international travel is for financial reasons - (funemployment is lit until it's not) - but mainly because since the pandemic, I’d been feeling disconnected from my loved ones who aren't in LA.
So, I planned a three week bender - a family reunion in Mississippi, an influencer trip in NY, a college girls weekend, a staycation in DC, and a dear friend's birthday weekend. I did the most. Yes, I know. But this trip reminded me of who I am, it saved me.
In three weeks I saw everything. Tree lined streets, garbage bags on the sidewalks, kids playing in fire hydrants, pitch black roads, chicken coops, genuinely nice uber drivers, all you can eat brunch, sunrise from the east - all things I’ve either never seen before or hardly ever see living in LA. Everytime I get to experience a change of scenery, it widens my perspective and shifts my focus out.
Overlooking Columbia Heights in Washington DC this summer was so nostalgic. I couldn't help but think about how my parents dropped me off in the same spot 10 years ago for my freshman year at Howard University. At the time, seventeen year old Amanda was carfree, ambitious, fun, highly curious but grounded and life’s blueprint was pretty laid out: Go to college, graduate, get a job in your field, move out, date someone.
As I sat there on the rooftop, drink in hand, I couldn't help but think about all the things I was looking forward to. I don’t really care anymore??? Climbing the corporate ladder, starting a family, being filthy rich - all things I cared so much about achieving ten years ago, I’m cool off right now.
Maybe it was the pandemic both jolting me awake but also slowing me down at the same time? Maybe it was the four years daze of having IT as president? Maybe it’s the online culture that has us liking pics but lacking humanity.
Whatever the reason, I came to the conclusion that I am truly not the same person anymore. I just simply don’t have the same thoughts, ideas, and motivators anymore. It feels weird to say but from my perspective, I have everything I need. And everything I need, I have.
At the top of my list - my hierarchy of needs - God’s love, love from family, deep connection with friends, exploring new places, people and things. This trip reminded me that this next decade of life won't have a layout or no guided tour but I have everything I need.
It is my prayer that you all find your moment of clarity. Silence the noise. Get centered. Feel empowered to live life on your own terms. Why?
Because I said so,
xoxo Amanda
“It is my prayer that you all find your moment of clarity. Silence the noise. Get centered. Feel empowered to live life on your own terms.”