Before I know it, Memorial Weekend is Here

Hi friends,

How have you been? Any surprises?

I am writing to you on a sunny Friday. My headache is waning. If you are looking for any signs of footballer strength, I’ve got none. If you are looking for quiet inner strength, I am your gal. What’s on your weekend menu? A nap? A good chat with a friend? A nice stroll in the city or in the park? Or are you working extra hours to launch your next big thing?

I am in a place of my life where I don’t have set plans. It sounds like freedom, isn’t it?! No partner, no set career path, no children. Wanting freedom is one thing. Having freedom is another. I am not complaining! I am exploring a different way of being – I am not rushing to fill the empty space in my life. There are more chances for surprises and failures and learning and growth. I’ve always lived in a planned way. I understand how helpful planning can be. And time for me to follow my intuition. I will share what I learn with you along the way with honesty and dry humor.

My chief task for the next couple months is selling my stuff and getting ready for a life on the road.

Speaking of surprises, I am going on a first date tomorrow. I answered a prompted list by Dr. Alexandra Solomon to help center myself. It’s silly at first. Now looking at my list, it is grounding and helpful. I am sharing it with you. It might be of help.

On a first date:
I hated when I feel – judged or talked down to
I hope to feel – engaged and alive
I worry most about – not liking or not being liked by the other
I would enjoy myself more if -I treat this person as a potential friend
I want to remember that dating is about – finding a relational fit and not trying to get someone to like me or earning someone’s approval. It is about figuring out whether first of all, I want to befriend this person.

That’s all for today. I wish your headache is waning too.

Love,
Xiaoyu