Right now I’m worried about adult shit. Like, how to survive white male patriarchy and the ominous possibility of living in a dystopian society. And then there’s the day-to-day worries of being a chronically single, Black woman solopreneur living in NYC during a tenuous economy. Also, the world is on fire! Literally. This is the stuff that makes me prone to anxiety and insomnia. But somehow, I remain the positive, pro-active, glass half-full kinda chick that believes in possibility as if it were my religion.

Summer weather makes me feel like I’m ready to come out of hibernation and live my best life. It makes this introvert wanna be social, explore the city, meet new people and have new experiences. And if I could, I’d spend the majority of my day outside; stationing myself under a tree in Fort Greene park to teach Pilates on Zoom. In between sessions I’d indulge in one of my favorite hobbies; people-watching while making up their backstories. Or revisiting my urge to spin poi again. 

My Summer goals are a combo of business and pleasure. I guess I’m always trying to balance the two. But I’m definitely taking advantage of these slower months to plan, strategize and create for Q4 & Q1. I’m finally embracing the fact that this hybrid business model of teaching virtually and in-studio is here to stay. And I’m actually kinda amped about it even though the learning curve for implementing digital systems and creating digital marketing strategies makes me wanna pull my curls out. In the end, it’s absolutely worth it.

If I could go anywhere this Summer I’d escape this concrete jungle and its wild life to disappear into the jungles of Costa Rica with all its natural wildlife. But I’d need land and a small compound of container homes. One would be a double decker living space featuring a rooftop deck for writing, daydreaming, sky gazing and complete stillness. Another container would be converted into a fully equipped Gratz Pilates studio ‘cause m’life can’t happen without Pilates. And of course, I’d have to have kickass internet service so I could continue training virtually with my favorite Pilates teachers.

If I were to attend Summer school I’d study  acting. Yep, ever since the days of “Fame!”, “Cosby Show” and “A Different World” I’ve secretly (or maybe not so secretly) wanted to become an actor. But because there were so few Black folks in TV & film, it didn’t seem like a dream worth fighting for. And back in the day, I always thought there were prettier and more talented Black girls out there. So I never pursued it. But I’ve always been intrigued by character development, storytelling, and artistic collaboration.

My ideal Summer camp would offer everything that brings me joy; writing, movement, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting. My day would begin by waking up in my yurt, tiny home or container home – without an alarm. Sitting beneath a canopy of trees while sipping hot cacao from my favorite mug, I’d pour my uncensored thoughts and emotions into my journal. Then I’d meet up with the rest of the single, middle-aged campers for Pilates Mat class which is the perfect warm-up for a day of aerial arts activities. This camp would attract the kinda Gen Xers that are unashamed of our super-hero fantasies and big kid energy.