Outside again, on purpose
a soft launch into spring and DC events on the radar
Hey cousins, Tye here
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. But I feel like that’s perfectly in line with a season of rebirth and renewal. So many realizations have been hitting me slowly and sneakily.
Just like spring’s arrival.
I think birthdays also do that to you. They don’t always come with clarity or big declarations. Sometimes they just arrive and gently tap you on the shoulder to ask what you’ve learned and if you’ve returned to self yet.
This birthday felt like stepping outside after being inside too long. Not just physically, but mentally too.
And maybe that’s why the cherry blossoms brought me so much joy this year.
There’s something about watching things bloom on their own time. No rush. No deadline. Just showing up when it’s their season.
I needed that reminder.
lately, I’ve been outside (for real)
I have been leaving my house. On purpose.
Which sounds small, but it isn’t.
I’ve been saying yes to plans. Hosting. Showing up. Letting my life exist in real time instead of just thinking about it.
Book club felt like a turning point.
Sitting in a room with people who care about stories the same way you do is just a whole other feeling. Talking, laughing, slightly off topic, fully ourselves. It reminded me why I started building community in the first place.
To have a space to feel seen.
the cherry blossom walk 🌸
The walk might have been my favorite part.
There’s something about Black people gathering in soft spaces that always feels a little revolutionary.
We were outside, in bloom season, moving slowly, supporting a Black-owned business, existing without urgency.
It felt intentional.
It felt like the kind of life I keep saying I want.
And for once, I was actually in it.
Not planning it. Not romanticizing it. Not watching it through my phone.
Actually living it.
Did you know that the Tipsy Scoop in DC is Black woman-owned?
There’s something about organizing a group event to support a Black-owned business that feels revolutionary.
I realize how much I actually do want to create third spaces.
This is the full circle back to Black Girls Black World for me.
Moving to Austin, being ripped from the constant hug of community I got used to living with, sucked my creativity and passion.
I’ve been trying to find my way back.
This book club is my portal.
I think I’m done waiting for “the right time”
Because what I’ve realized is this:
I like my life more when I participate in it.
Not when everything is perfect.
Not when I feel 100 percent ready.
Not when I’ve figured everything out.
Just when I show up.
Spring is doing what spring does. Blooming whether I’m ready or not.
So I might as well meet it there
what I’m looking forward to
Warmer weather.
Longer days.
Last-minute plans that turn into core memories like ending up at a rooftop party in Williamsburg at 4am.
Being outside just because I can.
Walking the streets and exploring new businesses.
Outdoor markets.
I want to keep building a life that exists beyond my apartment walls.
More events. More walks. More “you had to be there” moments.
Space for joy.
Living.
if you’re in DC
Here are a few things happening over the next couple of weeks if you’re also trying to be outside:
This free cherry blossom-themed art exhibit (April 10)
Petalpalooza (April 4): Live music, art installations, and fireworks by the water — I might stop by to catch The Backyard Band and fireworks.
Open art studios at 52 O Street: While I was bebopping around the city this weekend, I realized there was a free gallery showing (that I missed). I have no idea if it was only this day, but I’m going to pull up and see if they will let me in lol.
And then this Japanese Street Festival on the 11th & 12th
🌸
If nothing else, take this as your sign.
Go outside.
Even if it’s just for a walk.
Even if it’s just for an hour.
Even if you don’t feel like it at first.
You might be closer to your life than you think.
That’s all for now <3
Until next time.