Thoughts are Things

It occurred to me yesterday that we are almost halfway through this year.

I won’t lie to you and tell you that it’s been a great year so far. But April was magical.

I had a moment when I woke up in a dead sweat on Saturday at like 3 am thinking OMG this month wont be anywhere near as beautiful as April.

But then I remembered that thoughts are things.

So instead of focusing on what could go wrong this month, I’m choosing to focus on all the good things coming that will make it go right.

1. I am going to see Amy Sherald’s American Sublime Exhibit at The High. Since it was announced, I knew I wanted to go. In case you didn’t know, Amy Sherald is the artist that painted the Michelle Obama official portrait. I love art. I love museums. I have a High Museum membership that I got for myself as a birthday present. I’m going to enjoy that membership every chance I get. Starting with this exhibit about mid month.

2. In person Bookclub. I joined a BIPOC Romance bookclub at the beginning of the year, but didn’t go to my first meeting until last month. It was small. It was fun. It was in our Romance Bookstore, All the Tropes and it was just lovely. I loved it talking to people about a book that we all read and the fact that I didn’t have to organize it. It got me out the house. I can’t wait to go back. We are reading Love is a War Song by Danica Nava.

3. I get to see my Mommy again! Briefly and right in time for Mother’s Day. She is coming to Atlanta to catch a plane to one of the young cousin’s graduation. She will be here just overnight but she will be able to go to a spring scrimmage of The Boy’s and I get my Mommy hug quota. Which now that I’m of a certain age, seems necessary about once a month now.

4. The school year is ending. Yes, here in the south, school is over at the end of May. I am COUNTING DOWN! I mean, instead of school, my days will revolve around football practice but STILL. I get to sleep in and the days will be lazier so I have no complaints.

5. I started walking again. I’m starting slow. I am aiming for a consistent 5k steps a day about 5 days a week for now. That means a 20-30 minute walk for me just to get my knee and my body back used to the movement and mechanics that are necessary for walking. My goal is to be at 10 K steps a day by the end of the summer. Maybe that will lead to a slow jog by the fall? We shall see.

I felt better after I looked at what good things I had planned rather than wallow in all the things that could go wrong.

Mind over matter right?

Things from the internet this week.

This post contains paid links. Meaning, if you click on a link and buy , at no extra cost to you, I might get enough to continue to Uber my child around on weekends.

• My mama got me this Eucalyptus and Spearmint Stress Relief Candle and it works I tell you.

• Its the first Monday in May so it’s Met Gala Day. Check out this brief history of the Met Gala in case you are wondering what on earth I’m excited about on threads later tonight.

• I’m thinking about getting the Brick for my phone because i need intervention. I stress, I scroll. I’m bored, I scroll. I need to not scroll first thing in the morning too. Threads is addictive.

• Speaking of phones, this article about 10 clever and creative ways to stay off of your phone was right on time.

• This thoughtful piece from Ava Duvernay called Selma Undone

Ok Friends, that’s all I have time for today. Its Pilates Day and I don’t wanna, but I’m gonna anyway.

If you liked this post, please remember to click the heart and leave a comment if you are so inclined. I love it when these letters in your inbox feel like a conversation!

Ok, talk soon,

LaShawn

P.S. Our bookclub is reading Toni Morrison this year, and you can still join us. Our book discussions are going great. For $5 a month, you get access to weekly chats, a book-loving community committed to learning, and a monthly virtual book club meeting. For May, we are tackling Beloved! Join us!