Me, Myself, and I

This year one of my goals was to work on self-care. I can admit I often struggle with this and haven’t done the best job. However, I’m determined to change that. I’ve decided to take myself on at least two solo dates a month. One will be luxurious and the other will be low stakes.

Solo dates are foreign to me, yet intriguing.

So what is a solo date? Well, Sunshine I’m glad you asked. A solo date is simply taking yourself out mindfully. Be intentional about the time alone and tune into all the thoughts and feelings. AKA stay off the phone and pay attention to YOU and what’s around YOU. It can be as glamorous or as chill as you would like it to be. For me it’s important to incorporate both. I want it all. Geraldine Carton said it best:

Spending designated time to yourself means you learn to treat yourself with the same respect, care, and consideration that you would another person. Put simply, a solo date involves you treating yourself in the same way you would someone you care about. 

Quote Source: https://www.image.ie/editorial/solo-date-favourite-thing-130485

It’s one thing to plan, but it’s another to execute. The day finally came. My first solo date and I was kind of nervous. It’s silly right, but it’s true. I didn’t know what to expect or how I would feel. Now I do things by myself ALL the time but this was different. It was more intentional, more meaningful. It had purpose.

So where did I decide to take me? Well, Sunshine I’m so glad you asked. , I went to see THE Brian McKnight at City Winery.

I arrived a little after 8:00 and was told the doors open at 8:30. That didn’t really matter to me. I arrived early because I wanted to have dinner before the show. Unfortunately, they weren’t taking walk in reservations and the bar was full. I was annoyed and now I was starving. I decided to just wait. Well there was a large group waiting as well. No where to sit really. My annoyance grew.

8:30 came and we were still waiting and standing. No announcement was made. I may have heard someone say the 1st show ran over, but who knows . 8:33 they lift the rope and we walk down mad spiral steps. Me and peep toe shoes were not prepared….but we made it. Once down the steps I gave my name and was ushered to my sit. I have to say, I did enjoy not having to have tickets out or a QR code to scan.

8:40 waiter comes over and I’m ready. I looked at the menu online and knew exactly what I wanted. Well guess what? The concert menu is different from the restaurant menu. Now my annoyance grows a bit more. Mind u I arrived early to eat BUT the bar was full AND they weren’t taking walk ins. I didn’t want my 1st solo date to have “chicken wings and fries energy”. I had my mouth ready for the salmon…disappointment for sure. To top it off, the waiter tried but the service was underwhelming. Legit told me there’s water right here…didn’t even pour it. I order a burger and fries and hope for the best. I like a little razzle dazzle on my burger so I asked for bbq sauce. There was no bbq sauce. They ran out of bbq sauce. Here’s what got me. They make their own bbq sauce, so why not just make more. The food comes out it is hot and tasty, but not a piece of silverware or napkin in sight.

*deep heavy sigh*

9:30 the house music stopped and some star wars type intro tune was played…def not the vibe I had in mind. It was so random. As far as the venue itself, it is nice. If you get cold easily bring a sweater or jacket. That AC was pumping. Me and my low iron count weren’t a fan lol

The best part and highlight of my night was when Brian McKnight took requests from the audience. He called on me and took my request. He sang “Home” for me.

Whether you have a special someone or not, please remember that YOU are special and deserve all good things. Sometimes those good things are sourced from within. I can’t think of a better way to show yourself ALL the desired love.

Let Your Solo Date Light Shine!