Solo Dates, Lauryn Hill Concert, Therapy
a recap of October
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Solo Dates
I am dating myself, and this is a new space for me.
I am stepping outside my comfort zone and getting curious about the woman I am becoming.
I shared last week, how I am in an in-between stage of my life, releasing things from my past and how many things feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar.
Over the past month, I went to a new restaurant, an art exhibit, and a concert solo.
Yooooo!
As I write this, I am both proud and surprised for trying new things, and with every experience, I am learning more about myself.
I went to Batuqui, a Brazilian restaurant that was recommended to me by a friend. This was my first time having Brazilian cuisine, and everything I had was delicious.
I had the Brazilian stew with fish and shrimp, a salted caramel espresso martini, and the coconut cream cake.
I sat quietly by the window, with my book and watched the rain as I enjoyed my meal.
The flavors + the ambiance + the service = chef’s kiss.
I learned a few things about myself during this experience.
I almost changed my mind because it was raining and the restaurant was thirty minutes away from where I lived.
I told myself that weather and distance could not be a factor for me not going because if I was going on a date with someone, that wouldn't have mattered.
When deciding on what I was going to eat, I allowed myself to get whatever I wanted simply because I was worthy.
Period!
The art exhibit I went to was dope, and I learned that I would have enjoyed it more if I had someone to talk to about the art.
It felt more like a couple's thing to do.
This is why I need to go on solo dates so I get to know what I like doing solo versus what I prefer to do with someone else.
Lastly, I went to my first solo concert last week at Sofar Sounds.
It was such a vibe, an intimate concert in a unique space with independent artists.
Sofar Sounds has concerts worldwide, so if you're a music lover like me, I highly recommend you check it out.
Lauryn Hill Concert
I am a Lauryn Hill fan, and I have been for decades.
I appreciate who you are as an artist, mother, and black woman.
I had been saying for years the only artist I needed to see in concert was LH, so I was beyond excited to see her in Chicago a few weeks ago.
It was a stadium full of thousands of fans, and you could feel the energy in the room.
It was a gift to be able to witness a legend perform.
She looked amazing. She sounded great even though she was recovering from a cold.
As I watched her perform, I did wonder if she was happy.
I wondered if she felt free.
I wondered if touring was what she wanted to do or something that she had to do.
I thought about this because, on The MTV Unplugged album, she talked about the effects of the industry and how it impacted her mental health.
LH posted the video below to give more context about the tour, it’s a little long but it’s worth watching.
The Internet constantly brings up her lateness/tardiness, and this is the thing, I don't know any artist that starts the concert at the exact start time.
The show started at 7:30 pm, and she got on the stage around 9ish pm. That’s not a big deal.
Beyonce was almost 2 hours late before starting the show, and people aren't criticizing her for the same thing.
Many people have no idea what it takes to perform in front of thousands of people, and I wish people would be kind and extend more grace.
LH is a legend, and the fact that she’s touring from one of the best albums of our time, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, I think that’s incredible.
If you’re a fan and have an opportunity to see her in concert, I recommend you do yourself a favor and attend.
In this week's episode, I share what I am learning about myself in therapy now that I am focusing solely on myself. Take a listen, and I would love to know if you’re in therapy and what you’ve learned during your process.
Subscribe and listen to today's episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube, and Amazon. Enjoy and share the episode and this newsletter with a friend!
Things Worth Sharing…
MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 by Lauryn Hill is one of my favorite albums
I love Trader Joe’s and one of my favorite seasonal items is back in stock, The Sweet Cannoli Dip and it’s great with the butter waffle cookies
The Jeezy and Nia Long interview is a must watch
Sofar Sounds - an intimate setting + live music
Let’s chat…
I love to connect with my community and have conversations and the comments are where we’re going to make that happen. Share your thoughts about the podcast episode, the newsletter, or respond to the prompt.
Q: Have you taken yourself on a solo date? What has your experience been like?
If you were inspired by today's email or podcast episode , and want to be kind and show your support, I'd be delighted for you to treat me to a cup of coffee. Thank you!
With love and light,
Siobhan
I loved LH in high school. I played miseducation non stop!
I want to be more intentional about taking myself out on dates. I’m gonna aim to go on a solo date by the end of the month!
Came to complain about Lauryn Hill being late l and you got me together lol love that you’re spending time with yourself.